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Attempted arson reported; thousands protest anti-gay pastor

Posted at 8:49 AM, May 28, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-28 08:01:17-04

MAIDEN, N.C. (WGHP) - Deputies said somebody tried to burn down the church of an anti-gay pastor who suggested putting all gay people to death.

WSOC reported that the failed arson attempt was made Saturday night against Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden.

WSOC reported that nearly 2,500 people protested outside the Catawba Justice Center Sunday in Newton.

Most were reportedly picketing Pastor Charles L. Worley’s suggestion that all gays be put in a fenced-in area where they would eventually die.

“I just can’t believe that Jesus Christ would be about the kind of hate that we were hearing. It’s important for all of us to stand up against that,” said Liz Snell, a protestor from Vermont, according to WSOC.

Counter-protestors from a church in Georgia gathered across the street from the main protest to stand up for Worley.

“I don’t totally agree with some of the extra-biblical things he said, but as far as homosexuality being a sin, I believe that,” said protester Brad Cheatham.

Deputies said there were no arrests, but two citations were passed out. One was given to a pastor from Georgia who used a bull horn. A couple of protestors showed up at Providence Road Baptist Church even though they were asked not to, WSOC reported.

The YouTube video of Worley was uploaded Monday.

It begins with Worley commenting on Obama’s recent decision to publicly voice support toward same-sex marriage.

“The Bible’s against it. God’s against it. I’m against it. And if you’ve got any sense — you’re against it,” Worley shouts in the first 20 seconds of the clip.

Worley’s tirade continues to take a harsher turn.

“Build a great large fence — 50 or 100-miles long. Put all the lesbians in there; and fly over and drop some food,” Worley began.

“Do the same thing with the queers and the homosexuals; and have that fence electrified until they can’t get out,” Worley continued.

“Feed them and… In a few years they’ll die out,” Worley said, nodding his head in the video.

The video lasts for another 60 seconds, during which Worley continues to criticize gays and President Obama.

Earlier this month, Sean Harris, the pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville, gained controversy after telling parents they should punch gay-appearing children.