Church Posts Gay "Exorcism" Video

A Bridgeport, Conn., church that posted a video of a ritual to cast a "homosexual demon" from a 16-year-old boy should be investigated for child abuse, gay and lesbian advocates argue, according to the Associated Press.

The church, Manifested Glory Ministries, removed the 20-minute video from YouTube, but segments of it are still available, such as what appears below.

The video of the gay "exorcism" shows the boy writhing on the floor as at least 10 people circle him and shout, beating him with towels and handling him harshly. A woman in charge yells, "Rip it! Rip it from his throat!"

Later, a man drags the boy on his feet by holding him under his arms, while another pushes his hand onto the boy's forehead and shouts, "Lose your grip! I burn you in the name of Jesus!"

An official for Manifested Glory Ministries told the AP that the child was not hurt, and she denied that the church has antigay bias.

"We believe a man should be with a woman and a woman should be with a man," said Reverend Patricia McKinney. "We have nothing against homosexuals. I just don't agree with their lifestyle."

McKinney added that the boy, who had been sent to reform school for stealing, requested the church perform the ritual. She said that he was 18, but the AP later confirmed that he is 16.

Robin McHaelin, executive director of True Colors, an advocacy group for gay youths, told the AP that she planned to report the situation to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

McKinney remained recalcitrant on Wednesday when she spoke about being "persecuted" on her weekly radio program.

"If you are a true prophet, you're not going to be popular with the people," she said.