ghostgotcha Loc: The Florida swamps

The family of a gay man says a Tampa church abruptly canceled his funeral service after learning about his sexual orientation.

Julie Atwood told WFLA-TV the pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church called her the day before her son’s funeral, during the actual wake, to say it could not be held at the church because it would be “blasphemous.”

“It was devastating,” she said. “I did feel like he was being denied the dignity of death.”

Atwood said she has family ties to New Hope and also needed the large space to accommodate the hundreds of expected mourners for Julion Evans.

He died at age 42 after battling Amyloidosis for 4 years. His husband, Kendall Capers, says they were partners for 17 years and got married last year in Maryland.

“Everyone who knew us knew about our relationship,” he said. “We didn’t keep secrets.”

The service had been scheduled for July 26th.

T.W. Jenkins, pastor at New Hope told WFLA-TV that he did not know Evans was gay until members of his congregation saw the obituary and called to complain.

“Based on our preaching of the scripture, we would have been in error to allow the service in our church,” Jenkins said. “I’m not trying to condemn anyone’s lifestyle, but at the same time, I am a man of God, and I have to stand up for my principles.”

rumitoid

Do not judge, lest you be judged. By the standard, other than Christ's own righteousness imparted to us, that we judge others (meaning outside his justification and sanctification of us), so you will be judged. Which means on your effort and intent perfect adherence of God's law in all things. In effect, to follow such standards is a declaration of Independence form Christ.

Jon Navy veteran

Do not judge, lest you be judged.


those words above are from one of Christ's sayings in the holy bible

rumitoid

Yes.

Kevyn

The Bible considers gluttony a mortal sin I wonder if this self righteous jackass refuses to bury fat parishioners.

ron vrooman Loc: Now OR, born NV

I'M SO TIRED OF YOU! The bible at least one of the several versions states that a believer should k**l a neighbor that works on the Sabbath. Is that the book you put so much stock into? What about the idolaters that are called out, ever see a Catholic Church. Christ had little or nothing to do with the bible. Check out The Jefferson Bible. Jesus was a Jewish Rabi. Not the founder of these pseudo-christian religions.

People k**l people; not guns and mostly in the name of some religion that has a direct line to The Supreme Architect of the Universe.

rumitoid

Excellent observations about Christianity and very true.

Alicia Loc: NYC

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Good statement. Biased people will make anything they disagree with into a "sin." :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

"Holier than thou" is so prevalent in those who are less but need "something" to build up their artificial goodness.

Caboose Loc: South Carolina

God don't tolerate q***rs either. A dead q***r wants a
funeral in a baptist church? His life tells what he was but wants
a christian funeral? He didnt live the life of a christian why
should he be buried like one?

Caboose Loc: South Carolina

Youre just like the pervert judges that rule states cant have "anti-gay marriage laws". Marriage is not in the constitution! Gluttony
has nothing to do with a q***r funeral. The q***rs should bury
him!!

Alicia Loc: NYC

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I don't believe Jesus would have approved of your opinion. Who gives you the right to judge?

Alicia Loc: NYC

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Gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins. I don't see where homosexuality is included in that list! :roll: ;) ;)

Caboose Loc: South Carolina

Who judged? The man was q***r so says the article.

Caboose Loc: South Carolina

Most q***rs wouldnt see it.

Caboose Loc: South Carolina

Exactly where do you get your "seven deadly sins"?