The pastor for Christian “Fixer Upper” hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines has responded to a recent Buzzfeed article accusing his church and possibly the HGTV personalities that attend it of being anti-gay.
“Absolutely not,” Pastor Jimmy Seibert told Fox News’ Todd Starnes when asked point-blank if his church is against same-sex marriage. “We are not only not anti-gay, we are just pro-helping people in their journey to find out who God is and who He has made them to be.”
“For us — our heart has always been to love Jesus, preach the word of God and help people in their journey,” Siebart added, citing people from all walks of life attend his masses.
Buzzfeed’s Kate Aurthur posted a story earlier this week titled, “Chip And Joanna Gaines’ Church Is Firmly Against Same-Sex Marriage.” The sub-hed reads: “Their pastor considers homosexuality to be a ‘sin’ caused by abuse — whether the ‘Fixer Upper’ couple agrees is unclear.”
Aurthur and BuzzFeed attempted to get comment from HGTV and the Gaines’, but neither returned those requests.
When reached by phone, their Antioch Community Church’s communications director pointed the reporter toward the church’s website under “beliefs,” where it states, “Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime,” she wrote.
Per Aurthur’s research, Seibert, who founded the church 17 years ago, has taken and maintained a hard line in considering homosexuality a sin. He also allegedly subscribes to conversion to a heterosexual lifestyle as an option and choice.
In a statement to TheWrap, a spokesperson for HGTV said, “We don’t discriminate against members of the LGBT community in any of our shows. HGTV is proud to have a crystal clear, consistent record of including people from all walks of life in its series.”
“Fixer Upper” is one of the network’s most popular programs. In addition to their television job of remodeling old homes in the Waco, Texas area, Chip and Joanna Gaines run a successful home store and are now best-selling authors.
Several HGTV series, such as “House Hunters” and “Property Brothers,” have featured same-sex couples — “Fixer Upper” has not.
11 HGTV Shows That Sent Ratings Through the Roof (Photos)
"House Hunters"
The long-running realty show debuted in 1999 and to date has inspired its own uber-successful franchise with no fewer than 10 spin-offs.
HGTV
"Property Brothers"
Twin brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott help prospective home buyers find a "forever home" with the help of CGI magic. The duo has become the face of the network, headlining four different shows.
HGTV
"Love It or List It"
Hosted by designer Hilary Farr and realtor David Visentin, the show has become a fan favorite thanks in part to its hosts' constant bickering. Among its A-list devotees: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
HGTV
"Cousins on Call"
Contracting cousins Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri earned widespread praise for helping a family who lost its home to Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
HGTV
"Brother Vs. Brother"
Jonathan and Drew Scott also host this spin-off show in which they lead opposing contracting teams vying for a $50,000 grand prize.
HGTV
"Fixer Upper"
Husband and wife Chip and Joanna Gaines have become two of HGTV's biggest stars thanks to their timeless designs and quirky personalities.
HGTV
"Income Property"
Scott McGillivray helps first-time buyers through the process of purchasing an income-generating property in this do-it-yourself powerhouse reality series.
HGTV
"Rehab Addict"
Single mom Nicole Curtis doesn't renovate, she restores old homes to their previous glory. Last season, Curtis got a helping hand from basketball legend LeBron James.
HGTV
"Flip or Flop"
Christina and Tarek El Moussa let cameras in on their house-flipping business. The show has been a consistent performer in the network's key demographic.
HGTV
"Ellen's Design Challenge"
Executive produced by Ellen DeGeneres, the furniture design reality competition broke HGTV records during its first season. The show's winner was eventually disqualified after it was revealed his design was a copy.
HGTV
"Flipping the Block"
Call it home renovation on steroids. Four teams of two compete in what can be described as TV's most ambitious do-it-yourself challenge yet -- making over an entire city block.
HGTV
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From ”House Hunters“ to ”Property Brothers,“ how the do-it-yourself cable network built a global TV powerhouse
"House Hunters"
The long-running realty show debuted in 1999 and to date has inspired its own uber-successful franchise with no fewer than 10 spin-offs.