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May 23rd, 2012
03:10 AM ET

KTH: Pastor preaches about eliminating gays

A North Carolina pastor says gays and lesbians should be rounded up and confined until they die. His sermon included anti-Obama remarks that could be a violation of the church's tax-exempt status.

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Filed under: Keeping Them Honest • Religion
soundoff (37 Responses)
  1. harris

    I think what the Pastor meant is your spirit will be put to death

    June 5, 2012 at 2:00 am |
  2. Darla

    I am at times ashamed of my fellow Christians who think as this Pastor does and as that one Pastor that said that gays should die, be put to death. To me their mind set is no better then Al qaeda and the Taliban that is how they think...this is their mind set as well. This is a dangerous way of thinking...very wrong. God loves all his children and sent his son to teach us and to show love to all his children..he not only went to the faithful but went to ALL people... NOT to only a few , a selected group. He didnt say You SINNED so there for get away from me. But yet that is what a lot of Christians do today..and sad to say leaders of churches. Its like the blind leading the blind.

    June 4, 2012 at 11:08 pm |
  3. Glo

    He couldn't "convince Congress"? What does that mean? Was he lobbying Congress? I
    think North Carolina congressional delegation staff need to run a search for any emails from him or his church and preserve them. I'd like to know the content.

    And what a "courageous" outspoken Man of God! He took his video down. Come on. Have the courage to stand behind your rhetoric and beliefs.

    ~~~
    I wish I could be Anderson Cooper when I grow up.

    May 31, 2012 at 6:14 pm |
  4. Adonijah Yehonatan

    As a Jew, I feel deep sorrow for thoughts of people as this man's. So many people use the mistranslated verse of Lev. to say homosexuality is an abomination but the actually verse says "Ve-et zachar lo tishcav mishkevei isha to'evah hi'.
    Translated means 'A man shall not lie with another man as he would lie with a woman, it is a to'evah'. The word to'evah has been misunderstood and incorrectly translated to 'abomination' when it does not mean abomination at all. To'evah means basically 'foreign'. The term to'evah is used almost a hundred and three times in the Tanach (bible) in regards to foreign practices. This is why there is no Hebrew word for homosexual, homosexuality or gay (in the meaning of the latter). The acts of gay sex were foreign and believed to be apart of idol worship. I mean, how many times have you told your kids not to watch something on TV until you researched the show yourself and made sure it was okay for a child? But as time progressed, so did the laws. Homosexuality was seen as a work of Ha'Shem as was heterosexuality. There became a word for gay men and women in Hebrew. Judaism itself does not prohibit or in any way look down upon homosexual love. And in the eyes of Judaism the love between two men or two women can be as natural as the love between a man and a woman. Baruch Sh'mo for such progression. May hateful thoughts be shattered in our times and may peace and love consume us all.

    May 29, 2012 at 12:14 pm |
  5. PAULA

    What Word is he preaching? Who gave him his bible? Satan? Reverend Worely, you'd better let these people know that you were not speaking from Jesus' perspective. And don't go around telling people that God gave you a word. I know the Lord and those are not the sort of messages He sends. And if for some strange reason you beleive the Lord needs you to take His place, then there is really a problem. You simply are not the Judge and you went a long way out of place. Man, you have problems but if I were you, like I said in another comment, I'd apologize and blame that fiasco on dementia. I pray, for you sake, that you just had a Satanic moment and plan to get back to the Lord. Why do you want to destroy so many of God's children. You should know that no sin is bigger than another in the eyes of the Lord. Although I'm not gay, I've been a sinner all of life depending on God's love and mercy to save me, so I guess you'd better let me know when you get the fence up. Call me!

    May 27, 2012 at 5:39 pm |
  6. Alexis

    This Pastor is completely spewing hate.
    Unbelievable! If he thinks there is a Hell...he is on his way there!

    May 26, 2012 at 12:41 am |
  7. Maria Ledbetter

    I know alot of people dont and Yes I agree that he might have made it sound bad but I think he was just trying to put the point across that the bible says its wrong and that gay people cannot reproduce showing that its not of the norm for the same sex to be together it was not what God had planned when he created Adam and Eve.. When he speaks on another topic he is probably just as hard on other sins.. I sin everyday and if he would get started on the things that I did I being a born again Christian would know he was right.. I might not like it but the Savoir above is the one in charge not us and I dont think it will be long till he sends his son to bring the ones who truely believes in him home...If it was normal all animals and other living beings would be doing the same thing you would think..Dont mean to make no one mad Im not the judge I will be judged and bow down to him just as everyone else..

    May 24, 2012 at 5:28 pm |
    • Sarah

      there are gay animals so now what is your argue there are very well documented cases of gay animals!So then the bible is now meaningless if science can prove that being gay is natural RIGHT?

      May 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm |
  8. anthony

    It baffles me that someone can be so resentful of others. I can understand a church not wanting to grant homosexuals the right to marry ONLY because marriage is a religious practice – putting every homosexual in an electrified fence to die goes well beyond that into blind hatred.

    The bible is filled with archaic ideas of intolerance and irrational hatred. Why can't people just love one another regardless. If there is a god and he were to judge people on their behavior he would value love and tolerance not hateful and violent ideas.

    I hope this man is never able to preach his vile hate speech again.

    May 24, 2012 at 2:23 pm |
    • Laura Jacob

      Anthony, it is human's who judge people on their behavior- God judges us by whether we believe Him- that He loves us enough to allow His Son to be born into human flesh, live a sinless life, die with the weight of all human sin – and at this sacrifice Father and Son are separated while the price for my sin is paid. Jesus' resurrection is the unity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit united in One Holiness.
      God is judging us by whether we accept the loving gift He has given, or whether we feel we know better and wlll create our own gods, idols and terms of living. Jesus calls all to grow in His likeness, by turning away from self-serving consumptions that lead to hurt and sin, but also meaning I don't have to judge others as it is not my responsibility. I thank Him that I am loved, accepted, and given a life that I don't deserve- eternally. We are not only asked to believe IN God, but to believe His Word. This pastor's judgements are wrong because as by confessing the name of Jesus He should know we are not called to condemn people who don't know Christ, but as Jesus said, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."

      May 28, 2012 at 9:21 pm |
  9. Ron

    We seem to be looking at this matter in mans point of view. God loves all mankind and desires for their salvation, giving each their own choice how to live in this life that is "but a vapor". It is not mans place to eradicate sin, God is in control and all judgment is his when He comes again. God's Holy Word does not change and will stand forever. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Mankind however changes continually. In 1950, curse words were an abomination to air on TV. Today it is rampant with only the worst words bleeped out. See how mankind relaxes its morals as a whole. But God does not relax His purity, THANKS BE TO GOD. There is still something holy and sacred man can hold on to. Homosexuality is an abomination to God, period. But he loves the person and calls them to repentance. God loves you and His desire is towards you. Man cannot force man to love God or His ways. It is each mans choice and each man will either love the result of his choice in the after life of eternity or hate it for eternity as they suffer the consequences. The choice is yours, not a preacher or a journalists, or a president. You choose your destiny. May you choose rightly, your soul hangs in the balance for ever and ever without end.

    May 24, 2012 at 2:21 pm |
    • Tiffany

      Greatly said. Thank you for taking a stand on the word of God.

      May 28, 2012 at 12:25 am |
      • Dan Fugett

        As a fellow believer in Jesus and His Word, I have no problem with a pro family theology and being outspoken in one's church about it. Free speech has to work for everyone or it works for no one. But this mans hate speech is unacceptable... What he says can lead to violence and that is crossing the line. I fully support a preacher calling sin SIN but not advocating violence directly or Indirectly.

        June 3, 2012 at 2:12 pm |
  10. Janice Winchester

    It is hateful messages such as what this Preacher is saying that promote violence against gay & lesbian citizens. How someone who claims to be a Christian can issue such hate is beyond me, and I hold him responsible for promoting hate crimes against other. My hope is that his outrageous act will bring together people who will stand up against his hatred. In Matthew Shepard's memory, I urge people to stand up against this assault against our gay & Lesbian citizens.

    May 24, 2012 at 1:36 pm |
  11. Lisa Cunningham

    I'm impressed with Anderson Cooper too. These views should be aired, and compared to sacred American ideals of equality and justice and protection. A book that was written thousands of years ago, and changed hundreds and hundreds of times to suit the political fortunes of the clergy of the Dark Ages should NOT be taken seriously, except as a valuable historical/anthropological document. This congregation (and others) are energized by hate and by a (facile) sense of identity gotten from a rigid set of rules that make the congregants feel superior. Superior to everyone, including Harvard Law graduates, legendary Supreme Court justices, and the greatest thinkers and statesmen of the modern era.

    May 24, 2012 at 2:55 am |
  12. Lee

    if your not on this mans wagon good luck to you i stand with this man all the way about time someone said it amen

    May 23, 2012 at 11:01 pm |
  13. Cindy Dague

    Some people blindly follow leaders. Very frightening...the ignorance surfaced when the church member was questioned, and it didn't take too long for her true hateful nature to be exposed. She was a shining example of her congregation. Where's the love? Go Obama...I love you.

    May 23, 2012 at 10:02 pm |
  14. Tim Backwoods

    Romans 1: 24-32... yet we are to love all as Jesus did, proclaiming The Good News to everyone and praying that those who hear will become saved – Born-Again Christians. That Pastor is OFF TRACK and is obviously full of hate and bitterness. He needs to ask The Lord to forgive him and make his heart right – loving and obedient to God. It is unfortunate that his behaviour makes God's children look bad. He went beyond the line of "being zealous for Christ" to falling into Satan's trap...hatefullness and bitterness towards sinners who can still be saved...if they repent and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ – God's Son....THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN.

    May 23, 2012 at 9:06 pm |
    • Lisa

      I absolutely agree with you! Wow.. this is absolutely outrageous!

      May 23, 2012 at 11:18 pm |
  15. Tyler Rafferty

    Wow, just wow.

    May 23, 2012 at 9:04 pm |
  16. Kent Bradley

    That may be true, [The] Rev F Lattimore. But tax exemption is not permitted for those preaching a political choice.

    May 23, 2012 at 9:00 pm |
  17. Bill Landan

    Anderson,what you should have asked the pastor and his female follower is that if they had a gay child,would they put them behind a metal fence.He doesnt deserve to be a pastor,God died for our sins and thats what he nneds to understand.

    May 23, 2012 at 8:58 pm |
    • harris

      Should we repeat the sins Jesus died for

      June 5, 2012 at 2:13 am |
  18. Michael S

    We just watched your Wednesday interview of a female member of this pastor's flock. I have no idea how you kept from laughing when she attempted to answer your questions. OMG.

    May 23, 2012 at 8:51 pm |
  19. Richard Young

    As the gay son of a Southern Baptist Minster. My father would have never stood in the pulpit and trashed homosexuals. His message was that of love and compassion. There is a special place in hell for this man

    May 23, 2012 at 8:51 pm |
  20. Nicky

    As a Buddhist, I know we preach tolerance and compassion for people, but for people like this pastor. It makes you wonder why Christians and mostly Western Religions are so whacked out Nut cases and so hung up on Gays, when they should more concern about human beings. It's why Eastern Religions always wonder why Christians are so obsessed with what you do at home when they should be concerned about themselves.

    May 23, 2012 at 8:49 pm |
  21. Greg Challenger

    The sad thing is that members of his congregation are actually listening to this crap and their prehistoric beliefs are being reinforced.

    May 23, 2012 at 8:48 pm |
  22. Jim K

    That electrified fence confinement might be just the place for this so-called minister…the perfect place for HIM to live until HE dies! Why is he SO obsessed with this subject? It sounds like he has some very serious issues to deal with…including a few personal unresolved issues I would imagine. I don’t know what’s worse…his hate or his sheer ignorance, but whatever it might be, he seems to be very proud of both. And how proud his town and the state of North Carolina must be, to have someone of his stature, of his compassion and respect for others, represent them and speak so “eloquently” in such a way that gives the rest of us an opportunity to, once again, use that old descriptive label: “just another stereotypical southern religious bigot”! Why IS this “label”, this so-called “badge of honor” so worshiped and so coveted? It’s almost as if it’s required by some unspoken law! How sad…how truly, truly sad.

    And, pastor, reverend, minister, cult leader, whatever, may you eventually understand that this kind of hate does NOT solve anything at all…it only makes things worse…unless, of course, THAT is your ultimate goal, which, if that’s the case, you have more than adequately, surpassed yourself!

    One last thing, Charles…may you, someday, find peace within yourself.

    May 23, 2012 at 3:59 pm |
  23. Katherine Williams

    Dear Anderson,

    I was appalled as a Catholic Christian as I heard the anti-gay, hate message from the North Carolina Pastor. I thought I would never hear that rheotric in my church. Until, last Sunday, May 20, 2012. I attended St. Benedict a traditional Catholic Latin Mass Church. I am African American family of 6 people. Father Neal Nichols used the words socialism, Obama adminstration, homosexual, and game on in his sermon. I was so appalled that I got up in the middle of the sermon and walked out. I was unable to return to take communion because my moral fiber was deeply offended. He referred to homosexuals as being stunted in their adolescent sexual growth and seeking pure pleasure of the body and unable to have emotional attachments or bonds with others. He referred to the Obama Adminstration as having a socialist agenda and undermining the separation of Church and State , in the past, he has attacked feminism as the downfall of society.

    I thought as a Catholic Chrisitian, I would not hear remarks in my Sunday Mass. As a Black Woman, I realize that if you limit the freedom of one group of people for race, color, religion, or sexual orientation, it is a slippery slope for other groups.

    I believe this is a violation of tax exempt status. Where do I go to report Father Neal and Byrd and their questionable sermons of hate and division.

    May 23, 2012 at 2:12 pm |
  24. Jamie

    I don't get why people get all hot and bothered by what gay people do. If hetero people don't like what they see, then look somewhere else. I am not a particularly religious person, but is there something in the Baptist water that makes them hate homosexuals so much? And I thought all the stuff Westboro Baptist Church spewed out was bad. This guy is nuts.

    May 23, 2012 at 2:04 pm |
  25. Gary Kilmer

    Do the people of pastor Worley's congregation (and the pastor himself) not realize that gay people.......ummmm.....COME FROM straight people?? I'm gay. My parents were......well,....OBVIOUSLY.....straight. Soo.....unfortunately, the pastors electric fence idea is not only hateful, offensive, and dangerous.....it's just a STUPID idea that wouldn't work to boot!? Should members of this congregation (who were yelling out support during the sermon) REALLY be taking life advice from someone not even smart enough to figure this out???? LOL Come on people....time to look for a smarter role model.

    May 23, 2012 at 12:02 pm |
    • Mike

      Precisely. It is heterosexual acts that produce homosexual human beings. His Hitleresque idea isn't going to work.

      May 23, 2012 at 9:01 pm |
    • Glo

      It isn't about faulty logic. It IS about HATE. They just didn't realize that it wasn't logical.

      May 31, 2012 at 6:14 pm |
  26. Pam Tipton

    I hope you do not let this story die. As of 11:15pm Laura Tipton told me there were going to be close to 1,000 people from all over the country coming to the Maiden area to join the protest. They are looking at a different location due to size. It is time we put a stop to the hate and if Laura had not begun the fight I think this "Hate Monger" would have gotten away with it. Pam

    May 23, 2012 at 11:21 am |
  27. Dave

    HAHAHAHAHAHAH this guy is my hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3>

    May 23, 2012 at 10:57 am |
  28. Rev. F. Lattimore

    Hello
    I don't agree with the words the Pastor used but isn't there more urgent news to report? Many many Pastors are not infavor of the homosexual agenda. The large United Methodist denomination again voted last week to retain their doctrinal position of not allowing homosexual pastors, marriages, etc. Every Pastor would say "I wished I would have put it different." On the matter of tax exemption, the guest talking about filing a suit doesn't have a clue. So a Pastor says something someone doesn't like or something political your going to sue? How about Rev.Wright? How about all the Farakan mosques talking about "evil white people", how about all the inner city churches used for voting, for campaign meetings, for promoting Obama? The churches are not using their offering money, very little of their space, and not saying political things every sermon. There is no basis for a legal suit according to the church tax exemption law. The guest just likes to be in the camer lens. Pastors cannot be muzzled just because they might be republican or democrat or unitarian.
    F. Lattimore

    May 23, 2012 at 8:43 am |
  29. James Bewlely

    Andeerson you are the best. Help the world get rid of people who hate gay people.

    If you ever run for public offic and I can vote I will vote for you for sure

    May 23, 2012 at 7:35 am |