Radical Cleric Uses Violent Imagery and Overheated Rhetoric In Anti-Gay Crusade
ST. LOUIS — Truth Wins Out’ released a special report today, “The Stealth Bomber Meeting”, that detailed a chilling sermon in support of theocracy in America and renewed culture war against LGBT people by radical pastor Lou Engle of The Call Ministry. The popular cleric unleashed his extreme rhetoric during a revival at the Gateway House of Prayer in St. Louis.
Truth Wins Out’ Evan Hurst slipped into the event to document the extreme and delusional ideology of Engle, who considers himself a prophet sent by God to warn San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom that he would be judged for “promoting homosexuality.”
A frequent theme in Engle’ fiery St. Louis talk was crushing LGBT equality and rolling back recent gains.
“It’ the rod of God,” bellowed Engle from the stage. “I am looking for the secret of heaven that can penetrate the homosexual agenda with the love of Jesus and the truth!”
Engle’ preaching was decidedly political and his sermon repeatedly used violent, anti-gay imagery designed to rile up the crowd of 200 intense followers.
“If we’re struggling with a homosexual, same-sex desire, LET THE BIBLE KILL YOU, rather than make it easier for you, and say well, there must be a better scriptural answer to this…Brothers and sisters, let the Bible kill you rather than you twist the scriptures!”
“The remarkable thing about this event was how violent the rhetoric from leaders like Lou Engle is becoming,” said Evan Hurst, who authored the report for Truth Wins Out. “As we cross the tipping point where solidly half the population supports equality, I worry and wonder how much more extreme they will become, once an overwhelming majority of the public supports equal rights.”
Earlier this year, TWO’ Wayne Besen attended an anti-gay conference in Lynchburg where Engle acknowledged that when he preaches against LGBT issues, Christian youth often “rage against him.” Engle said that the far right has lost on this issue barring a miracle. One idea floated by Engle to turn the tide was creating an intercession by holding a 500,000 strong youth rally.
“It appears that Engle is following-through on his pledge to seek extreme solutions to what he rightfully sees as increased acceptance for LGBT people in America,” said Truth Wins Out’ Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Unfortunately, he is creating a potentially dangerous situation by turning to violent imagery and overheated rhetoric. Although Engle may sound delusional, he has many followers and people must pay attention to what he is preaching. He believes what he says and so do his cult-like minions.”
Engle has also been criticized for his large role in fomenting anti-gay sentiment in Uganda, where the notorious Anti-Homosexuality Bill is being considered by the legislature.
Truth Wins Out is a non-profit organization that defends the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community against anti-gay misinformation campaigns, counters the so-called “ex-gay” industry and educates about the lives of LGBT people.
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