Faith leaders and community members in Indianapolis rallied in protest on Sunday after a local church made national headlines for a sermon calling for the death of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The protest was organised in response to the Sure Foundation Baptist Church, which earlier this month uploaded a video to YouTube featuring pastor Stephen Falco using anti-gay slurs and advocating violence against queer people.
“There’s nothing good to be proud about being a f*g,” Falco said during his sermon. “You ought to blow yourself in the head in the back of the head. You’re so disgusting.”
He continued: “Why do I hate sodomites, why do I hate f*gs? Because they attack children, they’re coming after your children, they are attacking them in schools today, and not only schools – in public places – and they’re proud about it!”
The sermon was removed by YouTube for violating community guidelines, but the church defended its position, stating: “The Bible is crystal clear that sodomites – homosexuals – deserve the death penalty carried out by a government that actually cares about the law of God.”
Local faith leaders, including the group Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, organised a counter-protest to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and reject the church’s extremist rhetoric.
“We are called to be a sanctuary for the marginalised, not a platform for prejudice,” the group said in a statement.
Co-organiser Cass Jackson told IndyStar that the protest was about sending a clear message: “Existing in their presence… is something they do not believe Christ would approve of.”
Dozens gathered outside the church holding rainbow and transgender Pride flags, and signs reading “Stop the hate”, “Murder is wrong”, “Trans rights are human rights”, and “True Christians preach love”.
Despite the peaceful tone of the demonstration, several men in mismatched suits were seen standing outside the church, mocking protestors with laughter.
Equality Indiana labelled Falco’s sermon “inflammatory” and “extremist,” warning it could incite real-world violence.
“When you have that type of hateful and violent language, it could lead to someone taking those words and feeling protected to be able to go and commit violent acts against our community,” said G. David Caudill of Equality Indiana.
