The young man who claimed to have been "delivered" from homosexuality at a Christian event in Missouri insists his viral video testimony was legitimate.
The man, who has now been identified as 21-year-old Andrew Caldwell, told WMC Action News that the footage from the Church of God in Christ’s 107th Holy Convocation in St. Louis was in fact reputable, and that he hasn't made any money from his so-called "deliverance," but did not elaborate further.
The Church of God in Christ did not immediately respond to The Huffington Post's earlier request for comment. However, a church spokesperson released a short statement on the video, saying it "does not, in any capacity, speak to all of the remarkable things that transpired" during the event.
The statement continues:
We do not in any way compromise our biblical position against same sex unions or in favor of biblical teaching on matters of sexual conduct. At the same time we expect that our clergy and laity will be civil and considerate as they speak to men and women regarding issues related to our Christian faith. We love all people, regardless of their faith or moral standards.
Furthermore, the Church of God in Christ wholly condemns acts of violence against and the subjugation of any person to verbal or physical harassment on the basis of their sexual stance.
WMC Action News cited Internet talk show host Thaddeus Matthews, who said Caldwell told him he was "going to medical school online" in an interview conducted earlier this week. Meanwhile, the news station also found that Caldwell had been arrested earlier this year on charges of "fraudulent insurance."
In the original video, Caldwell tells the crowd, "I'm not gay no more. I am delivered! I don't like mens no more. I said I like women. Women women women women!"
He goes on to note, "I would not date a man! I would not carry a purse! I would not put on make-up!"
In September, a man claimed that a teacher at his church forced him to have oral and anal sex in an effort to treat his homosexuality. Another man, Raymond Bell, a pastor of the Cowboy Church of Virginia, made headlines with claims that sessions involving the stroking of horses could help "cure" certain "addictions" like homosexuality.
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