Asheville, North Carolina, Pastor Ronald Gates Gets Support From 33 Churches at Greater Works Church of God in Christ Rally

Asheville pastor Ronald Gates, who misgendered a former Asheville City Board of Education member in 2022, has received support from pastors outside Western North Carolina. On Friday, April 28, 2023, members of 33 churches across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia gathered in Asheville to rally behind Gates at Greater Works Church of God in Christ.

Bishop Patrick Wooden told those gathered, “He’s not alone.” He added, “We love him. We believe we love everybody. We love people. We are not here driven by hate. But we are also here to say the Biblical truth still stands.”

Wooden wore a rainbow on his clothing during the event. He said he was reclaiming the symbol from the LGBTQ community, which he said was created by a higher power.

Some local pastors have kept a distance from Gates since the fallout from his remarks at a school board meeting. Speaking the truth while caring for the people who hear it is a theme that runs through the exchange (Ephesians 4:15).

Peyton O’Conner resigned from the Asheville City Board of Education two weeks after a tense exchange with Gates during a meeting in which she was misgendered.

Source: Read the original report