American pastor calls for murder of homosexuals
The church and the LGBTQIA+ community currently seem to be getting a little closer - at least in this country. After all, there are, for example, many clergy who support the blessing services that took place in the spring.
The queer believers in the USA currently have a somewhat more difficult time. Especially because there are now many pastors there who have a particularly radical opinion.
A short time ago, the Texas pastor Dillon Awes became the talk of the town because he preached about the murder of homosexual people in his church service. Here he referred to the Bible. He is sure that God does not tolerate homosexual people.
The shocking statements of the pastor
With regard to the pastor's statements, it would certainly be an understatement to speak "only" of homophobia here. Because: In principle, he calls for the murder of queer people.
His words: "What does God say as an answer, as a solution for the homosexuals in 2022, here in the New Testament, here in the book of Romans? That they are worthy of death!" He goes on to demand, "These people should be executed!" Every homosexual, he says, should be tried for the crime they commit, he means homosexuality. Further, he demands they should be given a "lawful trial" in which they would then be sentenced. And that to death.
However, unfortunately, it does not remain with such frightening examples. The pastor has also already drawn up a precise plan for how best to murder the homosexual people. His suggestion: He would put them all up against a wall and then shoot them in the back of the head. God and the Bible would demand this. And who could not get along with it, would stand accordingly also against God and the Holy Scripture.
The priest's comments are also likely to frighten many people in Texas. After all, the gun laws here are much more relaxed than elsewhere. And how do the queers there know that their neighbor is not homophobic, has listened to the sermon and now wants to fulfill "God's will"?
Awes isn't the only homophobic pastor in Texas
Awes is not the only pastor who preaches homophobic views and does not shy away from a reference to the extreme means. There are other clergymen in the U.S. state who have absolutely no problem calling for more exclusion and hatred against gays or queers. Many of them have one thing in common: they put homosexuality on a par with crime. Accordingly, it is self-explanatory for them why, for example, all gay men are sinners.
What is the current situation in Germany?
One thing is certain: Activists in the U.S. will still have a lot of work to do before queers - even in Texas - can feel as safe as possible. In Germany, the situation is a little different. Here there is also homophobia - both in the church and in "normal everyday life". And even though many pastors here now advocate increased integration of queers, there are of course also clergy in Germany who condemn homosexuality in the strongest possible terms. However, there has been no talk of calls for murder made by clergy in the recent past. Accordingly, here it is primarily the psychological pressure that weighs on people who would like to be members of the church, but who are excluded by some dignitaries because of their sexual orientation.
Let us hope that - both here and in the USA - as many people as possible will realize that God loves "all his children".