Christian pastor apologises to Whole Foods, withdraws lawsuit over anti-gay cake

A gay pastor who claimed Whole Foods sold him a cake with a homophobic slur written on it has withdrawn his lawsuit and apologised.

Whole Foods staff at its store in Texas, Austin. Whole Foods

In light of his apology, Whole Foods has decided to drop its counter-suit.

Jordan Brown, who is gay and the founder of the non-denominatonal Church of Open Doors,Texas, ordered a cake from the US-based grocery chain and asked for the slogan 'Love Wins' to be written on it. However, he previously claimed he noticed on his way home that an employee had added an offensive word to the lettering.

Brown has apologised to the grocery chain, admitting that Whole Foods did nothing wrong.

"Today I am dismissing my lawsuit against Whole Foods Market. The company did nothing wrong," Brown said in a statement.

He apologised for questioning their values and admitted he "was wrong to pursue this matter and use the media to perpetuate this story".

The pastor also apologised to the "LGBT community for diverting attention from real issues".

In response to the withdrawal, Whole Foods announced it is dropping its countersuit:

"We're very pleased that the truth has come to light," they said in a statement.

"Given Mr. Brown's apology and public admission that his story was a complete fabrication, we see no reason to move forward with our countersuit to defend the integrity of our brand and team members."

related articles
Christian pastor sues Whole Foods in anti-gay cake row
Christian pastor sues Whole Foods in anti-gay cake row

Christian pastor sues Whole Foods in anti-gay cake row

Whole Foods to counter-sue Christian pastor over anti-gay cake claim
Whole Foods to counter-sue Christian pastor over anti-gay cake claim

Whole Foods to counter-sue Christian pastor over anti-gay cake claim

\'Gay cake\' case: Ashers should not have been found guilty, says Attorney General
'Gay cake' case: Ashers should not have been found guilty, says Attorney General

'Gay cake' case: Ashers should not have been found guilty, says Attorney General

News
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign

The project was divinely inspired, says the organiser

Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle
Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle

The assault happened outside Newcastle City Hall, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas
Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas

Conditions remain tough for Gaza's Christians despite the ceasefire.

Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit
Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit

Cathedrals and churches across the UK are embracing Advent with a flurry of festive markets, carol services and community events.