Petition Started Against Houston’s Own Kim Burrell

Source: Monifa Brown / Shanachie Entertainment

Gospel singer Kim Burrell is under fire for recently making homophobic statements during her sermon. Burrell said, [“I came to tell you about sin. That sin nature. That perverted homosexual spirit, and the spirit of delusion and confusion, it has deceived many men and women, and it’s caused us pain on the body of Christ.”] 

Shortly after receiving criticism from social media users and celebs alike, Burrell responded to the backlash via Facebook Live saying that she was not referring to the LGBT community. She said, [“We’re not in a war against flesh and blood. I came on because I care about God’s creation and every person from the LGBT and anything else, any other kind of thing that is supporting gay… I never said LGBT last night. I said S-I-N and whatever else falls in the sin was preached.”] 

• Burrell also said, “I love you and God loves you, but God hates the sin.”
• Pharrell Williams, who is set to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with Burrell this month and also worked with her on the soundtrack for the upcoming film, Hidden Figures, spoke on the gospel singer’s comments, saying, “I condemn hate speech of any kind. There is no room in this world fro any kind of prejudice. My greatest hope is for inclusion and love for all humanity in 2017 and beyond.”

PETITION STARTED AGAINST KIM BURRELL

Meanwhile, according to That Grape Juice, a petition has been created on Change.org by LGBT writer and activist, Anthony Antoine, asking that Ellen cancel Burrell’s upcoming performance on her TV show. Antoine wrote in the petition, “Please DO NOT allow gospel singer Kim Burrell to perform on your show January 5th promoting the Hidden Figures movie after her rant from the pulpit December 30th (since removed yet captured by shocked fans and reposted) essentially condemning gays to death in 2017. This type of rhetoric is dangerous – especially to young LGBT people who love and support your show and who have been inspired by the movie Hidden Figures that carries a message of affirming ones ability and merit, not diminishing it based on gender (or race, or sexuality and more).”

• He added about the film, Hidden Figures, “Pharrell and Hidden Figures movie should stop all promotion that includes gospel singer Kim Burrell who clearly detests LGBT people; one who’d speak so clearly to diminish Our right and freedom to live and thrive in 2017 and who has since defended her statements captured in the hateful video.   Let’s STOP HER together!”

More Reactions: 

• @ChakaKhan: “It NEVER fails that ministries promoting judgment & hate have NOTHING 2 do with the divine. LOVE is 4 EVERYONE! #SelectiveMorality”
• @questlove: “I want Christians to focus on actually being Christ-like & compassionate to their fellow man. I’ve seen more sermonizing, coldness, hypocrisy, and utter disdain from the Christian community on every issue (justice/women’s issue/lgbtq). No one likes Nagging Hall Monitor. I want to see less ‘God’s Teacher’s Pet’ and less ‘SMH’ from Christians. And more compassion. That’s fair, no.”
• @janellemonae: “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. 🙏🏿❤”
• @yolandaadams: “As a person who has Gay Relatives and Friends, I had to put these Words in the Atmosphere to combat the unwarranted and unproven attack on My Friend Bishop Long. Hateful Words are never profitable to the Cause of Christ in the World. Jesus said “They will know you by your Love.”
• @octaviaspencer: “…We are all God’s children equal in his eyes. Hatred isn’t the answer. Intolerance isn’t the answer.”