SACRAMENTO, California, June 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) and senior pastor of New Season Church in Sacramento, California, and Dr. John Jackson, president of William Jessup University, released the following joint statement condemning bigoted comments in regards to the June 12 terrorist attack on the LGBT community in Orlando made by Pastor Roger Jimenez:

“We stand resolved in our condemnation of the heinous attack that occurred in Orlando. We also condemn the detestable statements made by a pastor in Sacramento. 

“The pastor’s statements do not reflect genuine Christian faith, and as followers of Christ we disavow his bigotry. 

“Also, as followers of Jesus Christ we stand in unity with our nation in offering love, prayer and a helping hand to the gay community. Everyone in America deserves to live their lives free from fear.

“It is the heart of Jesus to save, heal and deliver.  Christian leaders lead people to the love, grace, truth and healing hope of Jesus, not to insensitive judgment.   

“We pray for the gay community to experience the love and grace of Jesus and His people, both in Orlando and across the United States. We pray for safety for their community and for all Americans during this violent and unsettled time. 

“As leaders in ministry, we are united in our grief and in prayer for those who have lost loved ones and those—even now—fighting for their lives. 

“May God’s truth, love and effective grace reach into our collective pain and suffering to bring beauty from the ashes of man’s depravity, for the glory of God’s name alone.”

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