Parkrose church protester.png

An unnamed protester interrupted the Feb. 19 service at Parkrose Community United Church of Christ after Pastor Don Frueh screened a video debunking the idea of reverse racism.

(YouTube screenshot via Parkrose Community United Church of Christ)

A Parkrose neighborhood pastor on Sunday was interrupted by a protester who began shouting against homosexuality.

In a video posted by Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, an unnamed man approaches Pastor Don Frueh after the screening of a video by The Root about reverse racism.

"Listen up," the man shouts as he walks toward the church choir, "I'm here to tell you that homosexuality is wrong. And what you're doing is wrong. And that's wrong. And that's a lie."

The unnamed man, clad in a maroon sweater that features a fist and the phrase "Fear God" on it, points at the screen and at Frueh -- who is openly gay -- before telling the pastor to step down.

As the protester shouts, church-goers begin to surround him. One of the choir members tells him he should "sit down and enjoy the service."

"We're welcoming you. But if you don't like what we're saying, then you're welcome to leave. But you will not disrespect my church," the singer says. "You can keep your opinion to yourself. But you have to sit down or leave."

After several church members ask the protester to leave, he begins to walk down the aisle. As he does, the man continues to shout anti-gay rhetoric.

"That's why I can't find a wife in this homosexual city," the protester says as he's pushed out of the frame.

Frueh waits a moment after the protester leaves, then asks the congregation to pray for him.

"Find a way for his hurt to be healed," the pastor says. "And if there's any way we can be part of that healing, please let us be that healing."

Frueh told KATU that he usually allows "time for silence for people to soak it in" before continuing with the sermon.

You can watch the full video below. The protester comes in at 25:51.

--Eder Campuzano | 503.221.4344

@edercampuzano

ecampuzano@oregonian.com