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3 January 2017 3:16 PM

US gospel singer Kim Burrell says gays ‘will die from the homosexual spirit’ – WATCH

By Will Stroude

US gospel singer and pastor Kim Burrell has sparked outrage after claiming in a sermon that homosexuality is an “evil spirit” and “perverted.”

A video of the 44-year-old delivering the offensive sermon was shared to YouTube last month (30 December).

In it, the singer – who also provided guest vocals on gay singer Frank Ocean’s most recent album – can be heard saying: “Anybody in this room who is filled with the homosexual spirit, pray God to free you. You’re playing with it in 2017, you’ll die from it.”

She continues: “That perverted, homosexual spirit is a spirit of delusion and confusion. If you, as a man, will open your mouth and take a man’s penis in your face, you are perverted.

“If you are a woman and you shake your breasts in another woman’s face, you are perverted.”

A number of stars have taken to social media to denounce Burrell’s comments. Chaka Khan accused her of “selective morality”, while Pharrell Williams, who is set to join Burrell on the The Ellen Show to perform their song ‘I See Victory’ from upcoming film Hidden Figures this Thursday (5 January), said he condemned “hate speech of any kind”.

“There is no room in this world for any kind of prejudice. My greatest hope is for inclusion and love for all humanity in 2017 and beyond”, the ‘Happy’ singer said.

Williams’ post was later shared on Instagram by Hidden Figures co-star Janelle Monae, who added:”I will rejoice when folks stop thinking they ARE GOD, Jesus’ assistant, picking and choosing what ‘sins’ are acceptable in the Bible, and using the Bible as a whip! We can’t afford any more tearing down of our shared humanity.”

Octavia Spencer, another star of the film, wrote: “We are all God’s children equal in his eyes. Hatred isn’t the answer.”

During a live Facebook video post after the sermon came to light, Burrell backed-tracked on her comments, saying: “I never said LGBT last night, I said S.I.N. – and whatever falls under sin is what was preached.”

She added: “I have to do what God tells me to do… and when people take it personal, especially if we’ve never met, you know that the enemy is setting that up.”

I shouldn’t even have to post this as you guys should already know where I stand but If you do not pls know I unequivocally repudiate ANY AND ALL hateful comments against the LGBTQ community. Actually I’m tired of that label. We all belong to the same community, a shared community called humanity. And today and tomorrow and the next day I will continue to stand with other like minded people who condemn any and all statements and actions that would seek to deny the basic humanity of our fellow brothers and sisters. We cannot sit Idly by nor will we speak silently when we are confronted with such violence against members of our community. I am personally beyond exhausted by the ignorance and bigotry living in some people. At times I want to punch and I want to slap a lot of people when I read and hear the shit that comes out their mouthes !!! I will rejoice when folks stop thinking they ARE GOD, Jesus’ assistant, picking and choosing what “sins” are acceptable in the Bible, and using the Bible as a whip! WE can’t afford anymore tearing down of our shared humanity. My advice: If your religion is causing you to spew out words of hate, judge, or look down on others because of who one loves then you need to change it. And fast. If the religion don’t make you are more loving or better person, ditch it. But what do I know. My hope is that we ALL go into this new year considering for one moment that we don’t have all the answers. My hope is that we become more understanding, less judgmental, more tolerate, and more patient with one another. Including me. HAPPY NEW YEAR. 🙏🏿❤

A photo posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on

Watch Burrell’s rant below:

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