A video showing singer Justin Bieber inviting a gay fan to his church has sparked a debate on social media.
The video, taken by the fan, shows Bieber walking out of his congregation, Hillsong Church.
“How was the service, Justin?” the fan asks.
“It was good.”
“Isn’t your church, like, really inclusive?”
“Yeah, anyone can come,” Bieber responds.
“I haven’t been to a church in a while,” the fans says, “so I’m trying to find a place that is inclusive of everybody. I came out as queer not long ago, so I’m trying to find a nice place. No one is nice.”
“That’s the sad thing,” Bieber says. “It can be like that sometimes, yeah. That breaks my heart for you. I’m so sorry. That’s not OK.”
He then adds, “If you ever want to come and hang in any of the services, any of them would love to have you. … You’re more than welcome to come.”
After the Twitter feed for PopCraveNews.com posted the video, many of his gay fans argued that Bieber was implying the church was affirming of homosexuality. Other fans, though, said Bieber did what any Christian should do – invite someone to church.
.@JustinBieber comforts a fan who opened up about the struggles of finding a church that is queer-inclusive, he ends up inviting her to his church:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 12, 2018
“That’s the sad thing. It can be like that sometimes, yea. That breaks my heart for you. I’m so sorry. That’s not ok.” pic.twitter.com/VyWcOKQb6W
Hillsong holds to a traditional view of marriage. In 2015 Hillsong Church senior pastor Brian Houston released a statement saying, “Hillsong’s position on homosexuality and gay marriage has not changed and is consistent with Scripture. As I have stated previously, I believe the writings of Paul are clear on this subject.”
Bieber often posts Bible verses and Christian messages on his social media accounts. On Easter, he wrote: “Jesus has changed my life. Easter is not about a bunny, its a reminder than my Jesus died on the cross for my sins and then rose from the dead defeating death! I believe this happened and it changes everything! I am set free from bondage and shame. I am a child of the most high God.”
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images
Publication date: June 14, 2018
