Protests outside California pastor's church over anti-gay comments

Pastor Robert Jimenez called the Orlando shooting victims as predators, saying they deserved to die Screenshot/ABC 10 video

Protestors have held a demonstration outside the California church whose pastor preached a sermon seeming to endorse the Orlando nightclub attack.

Around 100 people gathered outside Verity Baptist Church in Sacramento, while security guards were posted outside.

The picket happened on Wednesday evening while a service was going on inside the church.

The protestors were unhappy about comments made by the pastor of the church, Roger Jimenez, during his sermon on Sunday – the day after the massacre in Orlando, which claimed 49 lives.

Jimenez's talk, which had spread around the world on video, before being removed by Youtube, caused outrage with its content.

The pastor said, "People say, like: 'Well, aren't you sad that 50 sodomites died?... Here's the problem with that. It's like the equivalent of asking me — what if you asked me: 'Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today?'"

Jimenez, whose comments have been criticized by Christian leaders from various denominations, went on to make further incendiary comments about gay people. "I wish the government would round them all up," he said, "put them up against a firing wall, put a firing squad in front of them, and blow their brains out."

"These comments, applauding the death of innocent people, are completely contrary to the Bible's teaching and God's heart," the pastors wrote. "His statements do not represent Jesus nor hundreds of Sacramento pastors whose hearts have been broken and are praying for the loved ones so tragically affected by this cowardly act."

Sacramento City Pastors Fellowship released a statement condemning Jimenez's words. It said, "These comments, applauding the death of innocent people, are completely contrary to the Bible's teaching and God's heart," the pastors wrote. "His statements do not represent Jesus nor hundreds of Sacramento pastors whose hearts have been broken and are praying for the loved ones so tragically affected by this cowardly act."

related articles
Obama attacks Trump's ban on Muslims: It is 'not the America we want'

Obama attacks Trump's ban on Muslims: It is 'not the America we want'

Megachurch pastor Joel Hunter: 'Evangelicals must repent of LGBT oppression'

Megachurch pastor Joel Hunter: 'Evangelicals must repent of LGBT oppression'

Orlando Massacre: Youtube removes video of Baptist pastor comparing LGBT victims to paedophiles
Orlando Massacre: Youtube removes video of Baptist pastor comparing LGBT victims to paedophiles

Orlando Massacre: Youtube removes video of Baptist pastor comparing LGBT victims to paedophiles

Franklin Graham Decision America picketed by LGBT activists

Franklin Graham Decision America picketed by LGBT activists

News
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.

The pope that is remembered each year on December 31
The pope that is remembered each year on December 31

In many European countries, December 31, also known as New Year’s Eve, is better known as St Sylvester’s Day or simply Sylvester, named after a pope from the time of the Council of Nicaea. This is the story …