Gays to blame for ‘wrath of God’ in coronavirus pandemic, White House minister says

A reverend who leads a weekly White House Bible study drew backlash after he appeared to suggest that gays and lesbians are among those to be blamed for the coronavirus pandemic.

Rev. Ralph Drollinger wrote in a blog post the United States “is experiencing the forsaking wrath of God” because of homosexuals, environmentalists, atheists and “depraved minds.”

“The coronavirus could be a form of God’s cataclysmic wrath,” he wrote.

Drollinger, who operates Capitol Ministries, quoted Bible scripture and said “indicative of forsaking wrath is a proclivity toward lesbianism and homosexuality.”

“Unfortunately for the vast majority of faithful individuals in America, too many of the unfaithful have been allowed by the faithful to gain high positions of influence in our culture: high positions in our government, our educational system, our media and our entertainment industry,” Drollinger said. “This is tragic, unfortunate, and costly.”

There are nearly 70,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 1,000 in the U.S. have died from the virus.

Drollinger clarified his comments to NBC News, claiming they were misinterpreted. He told the news station there are different types of wraths and homosexuality caused wrath of abandonment, while coronavirus came through sowing and reaping wrath.

Drollinger has taught Bible study at the White House for more than three years, according to the New York Times. Attendees of the Bible study include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Housing & Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the Times reported. But NBC News reports that President Donald Trump does not attend the events.

More than 50 GOP lawmakers attend Drollinger’s Capitol Hill Bible study, according to The Intercept.

Alphonso David, the president of the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, told NBC News the reverend’s “horrific assertions are ludicrous.”

“At a moment where we need to pull together by recognizing our shared humanity and mutual dependence, there are some of low moral character who see it as an opportunity to continue to try to divide us,” David told NBC News.

This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 10:43 AM with the headline "Gays to blame for ‘wrath of God’ in coronavirus pandemic, White House minister says."