Controversy swirls after anti-gay church performance

GREENSBURG, Ind. (WISH) - A video of a child singing an anti-gay song in a church is attracting attention on YouTube, and that video appears to have been made in an Indiana church.

24-Hour News 8 research shows the video, which shows a young boy singing "ain't no homo gonna make it to heaven,” was captured inside Apostolic Truth Tabernacle in Greensburg. The video first appeared on a Facebook page linked to the church.

The congregation stands to applaud the child moments after he belts the hate-filled phrase. Someone in the crowd shouts, "That's my boy!"

The church’s pastor, Jeff Sangl, couldn't be reached for comment. We left messages on his personal cell phone, home phone and at the church. By 1:30 p.m. Sangl's home voicemail was full.

Wednesday, no one was at the church, and the front door was padlocked. A recording at the church’s phone number says Bible study takes place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Community members we found expressed dismay that the church was using a young child to spread such a message.

"Just kind of sad they used a little boy. They don't know what he's going to grow up to be," said Tammy Skyles.

Another area resident echoed those sentiments.

"The child is not old enough to make those decisions and know what he is reciting in front of the congregation," David Hoffman said.