In a recent packed service at his Tampa church, Pastor Rodney Howard-Brown scoffed at medical experts who “don’t want us to do this” in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, as congregants greeted each other with hugs and a shake of the hand

“Listen, this has to be the safest place,” Howard-Brown said in a video clip flagged by Right Wing Watch. “If you cannot be safe in church, you’re in serious trouble.”

During his sermon, he promised his followers that his church would “never” close, despite warnings from health officials.

“The only time the church is closed is when the Rapture is taking place,” he added. “This bible school is open because we’re raising up revivalists, not pansies.”

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