Toronto

Mayor Rob Ford was late for church on Sunday.

He kept parishioners at the Toronto International Celebration Church in North York waiting 45 minutes to hear a campaign speech.

The pastor kept the congregation busy during the wait with songs and by dishing out blessings to his flock. Members of the church appeared to fall to the ground unconscious after receiving the spirit.

When Ford was asked if he is often late when visiting houses of worship, he just laughed.

After receiving a standing ovation from his audience, Ford gave a familiar speech focusing on what he has accomplished since becoming mayor.

“I am a man of principle ... When you say jump I say how high. I watch every single dime that comes out of your pocket,” Ford said.

Ford spoke about how he is building subways, eliminated the city’s vehicle registration tax and kept property taxes lower than the rate of inflation.

“I said I was going to clean up City Hall. I have found efficiencies and saved hundreds of millions of dollars without eliminating one job,” Ford said.

Mayoral candidate Olivia Chow recently attended the church to deliver a campaign message.

The church has extended an invitation to mayoral candidate John Tory, but has not received confirmation he’ll attend. Pastor Nathan Thurber said it’s important for the candidates to address the church because voting is a God given right.

“In church we support all politicians. We want the people to decide for themselves. If he (Ford) loses the election, we will pray for the new leader,” Thurber said.