According to reports, Pastor Hoke has lost his position at TBP Church due to controversy stemming from a recent church sign. The sign, which caused uproar among both the community and church members, contained messages regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
Community members, including local resident Amelia, organized protests in response to the sign. A Facebook event page was created for a second protest, with 71 people responding that they would attend, and 182 expressing interest.
The sign in question displayed the following message: “Bruce Jenner is still a man. Homosexuality is still a sin. The culture may change. The Bible does not.”
Amelia shared a message on the official Facebook page, emphasizing that the goal of the protest was to support the LGBTQ+ community in a positive manner and not to engage with church members or escalate the situation to violence.
In a subsequent post, Pastor Hoke announced his departure from Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church (TBPC). He explained that his decision was based on discussions with another elder at the church, who could no longer follow his leadership.
The majority of the members indicated they would leave the church if he continued as a pastor, and it was decided that parting ways would be in the best interest of the local congregation.
This story serves as a reminder of the continued presence of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and discrimination in America, even in 2022.
