Oregon Church Apologizes for Weight Restriction Social Media Flap

The Oregon church that banned fat people from their worship team is now apologizing. 

New Creation Church issued a statement on their website stating: 

"There has been some false media circulating about our Worship Team Guidelines claiming that we don't allow overweight people on our platform, which is untrue. We apologize for any misunderstandings that our guidelines have caused," the statement read.

"These guidelines have never been used to discriminate against or fat-shame anyone. We understand the wording on our guidelines have been misinterpreted, thus they are being reviewed and changed. Forgive us if we offended anyone. That certainly was not our intention. Our church is a church full of love and compassion for others. We are a diverse church with all ages, races and sizes and love people with the love of Jesus," it also stated. 

The apology above comes after the guidelines were shared on social media and created outrage on a FB page that focuses on church and culture. The original guidelines listed mandatory rules for their worship team.

One specific rule reads, "No Excessive weight. Weight is something that many people have to deal with. Make sure that you are taking care of your temple, exercising and eating properly."

Another rule states: "We want the worship team to look the best they can! Remember that the way we look is of utmost importance. We are the first thing the congregation sees. People do judge by appearance. We never get a second chance to make that first impression. Please be sure that your style and clothing bring honor and glory to God, isn't excessive and doesn't draw unnecessary attention to yourself." 

The church also said the rules were never enforced but included the following: "You must be in 100% agreement for you to flow with our team and in order for the anointing to flow through you."

Before the church issued an apology Pastor Rebecca Sundholm, who heads the church with her husband Rod Sundholm, said she was 'dumbfounded' by the recent controversy.

The church took down the guidelines from their website after the social media firestorm.

Sundholm also said those who commented on the Facebook post don't understand her church.

"What's funny is this has nothing to do with anybody else but our church," Sundholm said. "If anybody looked at our worship team, they would see they aren't all skinny."

"In fact, the worship leader has weight issues," she said. "It's ridiculous really. It's just so taken out of context."