Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch hung out with a group of transgender kids after the band's concert on July 31, posting their group photo on his Facebook page with an accompanying note that he is going to pray for them.
"Got to speak and pray with these precious ones in Northern California—at least 2 of them felt a touch from Jesus. A sincere request from my friend on my right: 'Brian, do you love transgenders? Then, please pray for us transgender people. We need prayer bad.' And I will," he wrote.
As positive as Welch's message was, there were some who did not have nice things to say about the faith and transgender communities.
"Christians don't love transgenders and homosexuals because they believe they are all going to hell. Christian religion is oppressive. It says you can't be who you wanna be. [You all] are a disease carrying pestilence. And this divine infection [you all] carry and try to spread is known as Christianity," commented a Facebook user named James Langley.
Aurora Sho, another Facebook user, added, "Why hate transgender people when you can hate people that hate transgender people or ignore them?"
In response, Welch posted a follow-up message, where he made an appeal for understanding, saying change does not happen overnight and that it might take a while for people to truly change and embrace the Christian lifestyle.
"The gospel of Christ isn't like fast food. Not everyone has an overnight dramatic conversion like mine. Often times the relationship with God takes hold many years or even a decade or more later," he said.
"When you religious people try to force instant repentance and point out people's flaws, you are dismantling what God is trying to do inside of hearts," he said. "If I can convince even one hardhearted Christian to stop posting about instant repentance and hell fire while me and my friends are trying to love people to Jesus over time, then I guess this post was worth it."
