Police have arrested a former member of a North Carolina cult known for its ex-gay conversion therapy.
Residents discovered 23-year-old Stephen Cordes holed up in a closet in the home of Brooke Covington, a leader of the Word of Faith Fellowship in Rutherford County, NC. At the time, Cordes had armed himself with a Glock pistol. He also had a shotgun in the trunk of his car.
Cordes claimed to be under the influence of drugs at the time. He had once attended Word of Faith Fellowship with his family, who still attend the church. Police charged him with breaking and entering, as well as possession of marijuana and methamphetamine.
“He’s going through a really tough period right now as a result of the way he grew up,” Cordes’ sister Danielle said in a statement.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Related: Canada presents federal bill to ban conversion therapy
Church leaders told reporters that Cordes felt compelled to break into the home of Covington following reports of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the church. Leaders of Word of Faith Fellowship have admitted that three congregants have died of the virus, and do not know if anyone else within the church is infected. Police also discovered a Facebook page belonging to Cordes which contained a post referring to the outbreak, and to fears that his family could be infected.
Word of Faith Fellowship has attracted criticism following a 2013 scandal in which Covington and other members of the church were accused of torturing Matthew Fenner, in hopes of “curing” his sexuality. Covington continues to face charges of kidnapping and assault related to the case after an initial trial resulted in a mistrial. Various investigations by journalists and the TV program Inside Edition have also uncovered further allegations of physical and psychological abuse within the church.
winemaker
Wow, is this bastard lucky or what? if this had happened to me, this guy would rue the day he F****D with me or broke into my home. He’d have a couple of bullets in him if he’s lucky. I don’t tolerate this kind of BULLS**T lightly and will do whatever’s necessary to protect my person and property .Being a victim of violent crime has made me aware of guns and the right to have one and use it in instances like this. I’m not violent but ‘am a registered and licensed gun owner. I have respect for guns and handle mine with safety and caution at all times.
Vince
The guy was tortured by this church as they’ve been caught doing it. Maybe that was what the story is about.
I get it that you’re a homocon but it is interesting to see what goes through your mind.
Also he was high on meth and had and armed with a Glock. I guarantee that you’ll go down before he does.
inbama
If this is what “winemaker” takes away from an article about a dangerous anti-gay cult, he’s been drinking too much of his own product.
Then again, he may just be a Trump Troll deflecting like they usually do.
Cam
So basically the church leaders were doing things that could have killed his family.