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TW Jenkins, the church’s pastor, said: ‘I try not to condemn anyone’s lifestyle’ (Picture: NBC8)

Julion Evans died at the young age of 42 from amyloidosis and his funeral was booked at the church he and his family had attended all his life.

However, his husband, Kendall Capers, and Evan’s family were notified the night before that the church was cancelling the funeral due to the fact Evans was gay.

KSDK reported that the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church found out about the deceased’s sexuality after church members read his obituary, which described Capers as the ‘surviving husband’.


The church’s pastor, TW Jenkins, told KSDK: ‘I try not to condemn anyone’s lifestyle, but at the same time I am a man of God and have to stand upon my principles.’



The service instead took place at the funeral home where the wake was held.

Pastor Jenkins has expressed his regret that the decision was only made the night before.