We Condemn California Pastor’s Message That Rejoices In Orlando Massacre

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
District 32 Bronx County, New York 
Tel 718-991-3161

We Condemn California Pastor’s Message That Rejoices In Orlando Massacre

You should know that Sacramento California Pastor Roger Jimenez of the Verity Baptist Church in Sacramento, California, has been reported in the media as rejoicing in the massacre that took place this weekend at the Orlando gay nightclub.

It is very important for you to know that as the President of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, my fellow ministers and I condemn his rejoicing in those killings.  We condemn Pastor Jimenez’s statements: “The tragedy is that more of them didn’t die,” and “I’m kind of upset he didn’t finish the job because these people are predators.”

Pastor Jimenez’s message is deplorable, and any preacher who shares that mindset does not understand the Bible.  Pastor Jimenez should realize that all of the victims of the Orlando shooting are human beings, and any preaching to harm their lives is un-Christianly.

As Christians, the Members of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization know that all human life, at all of its stages of development, is sacred. This is why we are pro-life, and work to protect the lives of the unborn. This is why we are against the death penalty. Only God, the Creator of all life, can decide when a life can be taken.

You should already know that my ministers and I have joined the Bangladesh community in solidarity in my district when they have been targeted and assaulted, and we have joined with churches, mosques and synagogues when members of their communities have been singled out for attack. We have condemned all acts of violence.

My fellow ministers and I will continue to keep the victims and the families of this awful massacre, as all of the Orlando community who grieve and fear, in our thoughts and prayers.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.