A married, anti-gay reverend found his hypocrisy exposed after his Grindr profile surfaced and was subsequently spread across the internet reports Salon. Matthew Makela, reverend of St. John's Lutheran Church and father of five, wrote a letter to Midland Daily News in November saying gay people need help:
"We don't tell a person born with tendencies to abuse alcohol to keep on giving in to his innate desires because he can't help it. We try to help him in his struggle."
However, a source submitted screenshots to Queerty confirming that Makela has a profile on Grindr and sent shirtless pictures. Makela's profile information indicated that he wasn't just online for some friendly banter:
"I love making out naked, oral and massage. And I top. Also love to cuddle."
Makela resigned from his position with the church last Sunday. The senior pastor of the Midland, Mich. church, Reverend Daniel Kempin, posted a statement regarding Makela's indiscretion on the church's website, urging followers to "be patient and trust God," when confronted with the "details of the sin," in media.
In related news, a Michigan mother who used to be a parishioner of the church has come forward revealing that Makela nearly drover her gay son to suicide because of the church leader's outspoken anti-gay preaching.
(Photo via Queerty/Grindr)