Protests led by Kiss Away Hate have been going on for several days at the Verity Baptist Church in Sacramento, Calif. The protest is a response to the “Red Hot Preaching” church conference led by controversial Pastor Roger Jimenez. Even though they are loosely organized, with most congregation happening on social media, the main mission of Kiss Away Hate is to spread the message of compassion and equality.
Jimenez Celebrated The Biggest Massacre In American History
In a video that has now gone viral, Pastor Roger Jimenez openly praised the June 12 mass shooting at the Florida gay nightclub, Pulse. The shooting rocked the nation, spotlighting gun laws, religious radicalization, and protections of LGBT Americans. The backlash against the pastor was so strong that the church’s property owner opted to not renew the church’s lease next year. In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, the pastor mentioned that:
“when people die who deserve to die, it’s not a tragedy.”
Church Leaders Condemn Pastor Roger Jimenez
The community also denounces Pastor Jimenez and his odious message. Corianne Durkee, whose church also shares space with Verity Baptist Church, says that Pastor Jorge Jimenez’s message is contradictory to Christianity, remarking that there is “no space for hate.”
Some traveled far and wide to attend the church conference hosted by Verity Baptist Church. Jeff Utzler, a regular churchgoer from Ohio, reinforced his homophobia with the help of the conference. He mentions how it is encouraging to see Christians who read the Bible and actually stand up to “preach what needs to be said.” That message is that “sodomy is vile, it’s reprobate.”
Even after the pastor was threatened with having his lease cut short, and after waves of ridicule from social media, Pastor Roger Jimenez still stands behind what he said. Instead of using critical thinking skills, he leans on the Bible, saying that he “loves the word of God.” If it tells him to hate on gay people, he would do so without hesitation. Across the street, Durkee says that God believes that “we’re all precious” in his sight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzBOFxNWp2k
Featured image is a screengrab from video.
