Texas preacher calls for ‘execution’ of LGBTQ+ pastors

A stir has emerged within the religious community following recent incendiary comments made by Dillon Awes, a preacher based in Watauga, Texas. Awes publicly called for the execution of two gay pastors and vehemently criticised a prominent local church leader.

The controversy began during an aggressive sermon by Awes, in which he attacked Pastor Charles Andrew Stanley. Stanley is notably the founder of North Point Ministries, a widely recognised nondenominational evangelical Christian organisation. The incident arose because Stanley had invited two married gay men to deliver a sermon at his megachurch, an act that appeared to draw the ire of Awes.

In what has been described as a highly charged and confrontational address, Dillon Awes remarked, “What a nice guy Andy Stanley is. What a nice guy you are for letting children in your congregation be abused by pedophiles.” Awes further escalated the rhetoric by asserting that Stanley and others enabling such actions in churches should face severe consequences: “How nice of all the pastors today that are enabling sexual predators in their church to harm people permanently, to scar them for life, to hurt them spiritually, because you just want to be nice. Well, you know what? Go to Hell, Andy Stanley, and every single pastor like you — go to Hell.”

Adding to the gravity of his speech, Awes declared that Pastor Stanley and the two gay pastors should be sentenced to death, stating, “These homosexuals that are converting cities — they should be the ones that are murdered.”

The controversial statements have sparked a significant response within various communities. Supporters and critics alike have expressed their opinions, contributing to a wider debate on the handling and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within religious contexts.

North Point Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Stanley, has often been recognised for its inclusive approaches, marking a notable departure from more conservative evangelical teachings. The response from the church regarding the inflammatory remarks by Awes has yet to be detailed, but the incident raises profound questions regarding the intersection of faith, tolerance, and societal values.