Neal Thompson is a man with an unusual mission. Throughout the Missouri area where he lives, Thompson goes to a different church every Sunday, with a particular message in mind. Thompson wears a Jesus costume when going to churches, to spread the message of his Christian faith. However, when Neal Thompson tried to visit St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the man dressed like Jesus was denied entry. He just wasn’t denied three times.
“One of the deacons saw me,” said Thompson of his Sunday visit, “and when I went in the church he met me and he said, ‘Can I help you? What do you want?’ I said, ‘I want to go to church here today.’ And he said, ‘What do you believe in? Are you Christian? What religion are you?’ I said, ‘I’m a Christian.'” That wasn’t good enough for the deacons, who told Thompson to wait outside of the sanctuary while they called police.
However, in true Christ-like fashion, Thompson left the church peacefully. When asked if he harbored any ill will against St. Paul’s, Thompson said, “I forgive them.” Good answer, but the better one might have been, “Forgive them, Father; they know not what they’ve done.”
Tags: Des Peres, Missouri, man dressed like Jesus kicked out of church, man kicked out of church for dressing like Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jesus outfit gets man barred from church, Neal Thompson, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
