• An Indianapolis church is facing backlash after a preacher delivered a sermon advocating violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, sparking debates on hate speech, religious extremism, and public safety. The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation from activists, faith leaders, and legal experts concerned about their potential impact and alignment with free speech laws.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (TDR) — A controversial sermon delivered at the Sure Foundation Baptist Church in Indianapolis is under scrutiny after a preacher called for violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. The remarks, streamed on the church’s Facebook page under the title “Pray the Gay Away,” have drawn condemnation from local faith leaders, activists, and community members.

Preacher’s Remarks Spark Outrage

During a sermon delivered at the church’s “Men’s Preaching Night,” Stephen Falco made inflammatory statements targeting the LGBTQ+ community. “There’s nothing good to be proud about being a [slur]. You ought to blow yourself in the head,” Falco declared to his audience. He continued to decry LGBTQ+ individuals, stating, “We should walk in the eye and say, ‘No, you’re not going to have our children.’”

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

The comments were met with backlash from various sectors, with the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis deeming the rhetoric “theologically irresponsible and pastorally dangerous.” In a statement, the group emphasized, “The pulpit must never be used as a weapon to dehumanize, isolate, or incite fear.”

Local and National Reactions

The LGBTQ+ community has expressed deep concern over the sermon’s potential impact, particularly on younger, vulnerable individuals. Ali Klausing, an advocate and mother of four, highlighted the emotional toll such rhetoric takes. “Children are targeted silently and violently… When we’re teaching them through hate and disguising it through Scripture, we are abusing them invisibly,” Klausing said.

Eric Skwarczynski, host of the podcast “Preacher Boys,” which examines abuse within fundamentalist church communities, noted a troubling escalation in such language. “Christian nationalism is on the rise. Rhetoric that was once confined to the four walls of a church is now entering the mainstream,” he explained.

Falco’s statements have also renewed discussions about the intersection of free speech and hate speech laws in the United States. While religious freedom is protected under the First Amendment, calls for violence may cross legal boundaries, experts say.

Church Leadership Responds

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

When contacted for clarification, the church defended the sermon, claiming it was in line with biblical teachings. In an emailed statement, representatives said, “He’s only calling for the death penalty and suicide for the actual sodomites (homosexuals). The Bible teaches that those people are worthy of death.” However, they stressed that they were not advocating for individuals to take action, suggesting it was the government’s role to enforce such penalties.

The denomination’s broader leadership has not responded to inquiries about whether Falco’s remarks align with their official stance.

Broader Context of Religious Extremism

Experts suggest this incident is part of a larger trend of radicalized rhetoric within certain religious communities. Skwarczynski noted that fundamentalist groups often seek to outdo one another in their displays of extremism. “Each iteration of the fundamentalist church works to be more extreme than the last, creating a dangerous environment,” he said.

The rise of Christian nationalism has added fuel to this trend, with some groups using religious platforms to push exclusionary and violent ideologies. Reports indicate that hate speech targeting LGBTQ+ individuals has increased globally, raising concerns about the role of religious institutions in promoting or curbing such rhetoric.

Impact and Next Steps

The hateful sermon has amplified calls for accountability from both religious leaders and policymakers. Advocates are urging faith communities to take a stronger stand against hate speech and foster inclusive environments. Meanwhile, legal experts are examining whether Falco’s sermon could be classified as incitement to violence under U.S. law.

For Klausing, the solution starts with education and empathy. “I think they’re so disconnected from themselves and from love. We need to counter hate with compassion,” she said.

The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis echoed this sentiment, urging a return to the core principles of faith. “True holiness is not about who we hate; it is about how we love,” their statement read.

The controversy surrounding Sure Foundation Baptist Church raises pressing questions about the limits of free speech, the role of religious institutions, and the protection of marginalized communities. How societies address these issues will shape the future of public discourse and inclusivity.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10