September 5, 2016
Pastor Has Change of Heart After Son Comes Out as Gay
Brittany Ferrendi READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Reverend Danny Cortez never supported homosexuality, but that all changed when his son came out as gay.
Rev. Cortez told NPR's StoryCorps about the moment his son confessed his sexuality back in 2014: "I was driving my son Drew to school, and he turned over to me and he says, 'Dad, I'm gay.' I remember I just turned around and I hugged him so hard. And I said, 'I love you so much, son.'"
After his son came out, Rev. Cortez chose to speak about it in front of his Southern Baptist congregation - with his son in the pews.
"I remember as I was speaking, I felt empowered like I hadn't felt in such a long time," he said. "I knew that what I was sharing that Sunday was important."
The pastor knew that his shift in views on homosexuality might get him kicked out of his job. However, when someone asked him how he felt, he expressed contentment.
"I'm at peace. I'm at peace because I know my heart has been enlarged," he responded.
His sermon drew mixed praise and consternation, leading the congregation to split into two. According to NPR, Rev. Cortez and a collection of other members formed their own separate non-denominational church practicing LGBT-inclusiveness.
Check out Rev. Cortez's sermon on "Why I Changed My Mind On Homosexuality" below.
