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
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.