Pastor Jim Swilley Declares That He Is Gay - Preacher Bureau of Investigations Declares A Victory For Integrity.

Online, November 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Preacher Bureau of Investigations Declares A Victory For Integrity.

Mega Church Pastor Jim Swilley jumped out of the closet on Monday and declared to his entire congregation that he is in fact GAY. Jim Swilley says that he was gay even at the moment he started his ministry. The mega church pastor said that this was the best time to come out of the closet in light of the recent gay teen suicides.

The story broke as an ABC Exclusive and is now creating a doctrine wave within the evangelical community. Pastor Swilley's announcement comes on the heels of the Bishop Eddie Long sex scandal involving four men who say that Bishop Long coerced them into homosexual relationships.

A spokesperson for The Preacher Bureau of Investigations (www.PimpPreacher.com) says they welcomed the announcement for a variety of reasons but the most important reason is integrity in the pulpit.

"We have continued to beat the drum of integrity and demanded higher standards for the men and women in church leadership. On our weekly radio show we put out a national call for Pastors to step down if they have issues that conflict with the word of God. We are very happy that Pastor Swilley complied with our advice."

Pastor Jim Swilley says his wife has known from the beginning that he was gay but after their divorce earlier this year she urged him to come clean. Pastor Swilley has come under attack from conservative Christian groups and the name calling has now begun.

"I know all the hateful stuff that's being written about me online, whatever. To think about saving a teenager, yeah, I'll risk my reputation for that."

Swilley said churches in Kenya and The Philippines under his authority as a bishop remain strong but was not sure of who will take over for him.

There may also be questions about the future of the church. CITN is one of the largest in the community with a membership of 1,200, according to Renee Babcock, the church's executive secretary. The CITN campus is a landmark overlooking Interstate 20, just west of the Salem Road exit.

In his comments, Swilley said he wants to continue his ministry and that everything is "on the altar, and if we do lose it everybody is ready to start something else."

"Our church, financially, is in the natural," he said, apparently referring to the down economy. "It's not in a great place. I don't know if the church can survive this," he said. "I definitely know I'm the talk of the town after 38 years, but I wish people can remember me for the fruits of my gifts."

For more information on articles concerning the evangelical community please visit www.PimpPreacher.com