[Correction Nov. 8, 4:38 p.m. EST: The original version of this story mistakenly described the nature of a statement released by Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.]
The congregation at First Baptist Church of Phenix City in Alabama is mourning the loss of its pastor who committed suicide after he was exposed for cross-dressing.
On Sunday, one of the church officials expressed his “profound sense of sadness” over the death of pastor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, 49, during a Facebook live broadcast.
“Despite what may have been implied in the media, members of this church have been steadfast in their love and concern for our pastor,” he said as he addressed the congregation.
He continued, “I cannot tell you that I fully understand or can explain the scope of this tragedy. There are some things, though, that I do know are absolutely true. I know that my friend Bubba Copeland loved this church and its people.”
“And I know that our testimony as Christians is not defined as much about how we act in the good times. It’s how we act in the difficult times,” the church official added.
Furthermore, he emphasized the church’s mission “to show God’s love to all people” which will continue to be its “primary purpose.”
This came after the conservative news website 1819 News published a report on Wednesday exposing Copeland’s secret life as a transgender woman under the pseudonym Brittini Blaire Summerlin on various social media platforms. This included Reddit where he posted a selfie wearing a blond wig and makeup.
According to the news site, Copeland referred to himself as a “thick transgender woman” and encouraged other transgender people to go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
He was also the author of transgender fiction and erotica.
On Wednesday, Copeland, the mayor of Smiths Station plus a husband and father, according to the Christian Post, addressed his congregation for the last time about what he referred to as an “internet attack.”
“Congregation, church, Facebook, I have been an object of an internet attack. An article that was written about my capacity as a mayor, capacity as a pastor,” Copeland said.
He continued, “The article is not who or what I am. Yes, I have taken pictures with my wife in the privacy of our home in an attempt of humor because I know I’m not a handsome man, nor a beautiful woman either.”
Additionally, the Baptist pastor apologized “for any embarrassment caused” by his “private personal life that has gone publicly.”
When asked for a statement by 1819 after Copeland addressed his church, the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) said, “One of the distinctives of Baptist life is the autonomy of the local church. While there has been some connectivity between Phenix City First Baptist and Alabama CBF, Mr. Copeland does not serve in any leadership capacities within Alabama CBF. This would appear to be a matter between pastor and church.”
Meanwhile, the Alabama Baptist State Convention and Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions called his behavior “unbiblical behavior” in a joint statement.
“We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well,” the statement explained.
The statement continued, “We are in consultation with the Russell Baptist Association’s leadership as they endeavor to assist the First Baptist family during this critical time of need.”
Two days after his public address, Copeland exited his vehicle and shot himself with a handgun after he was pursued by sheriff deputies in a slow pursuit, according to CNAW 2 News.
“The Deputies pursued the vehicle at low speed to a point on Lee Road 275 near Lee Road 279 where the vehicle stopped at 4:34 P.M. central standard time,” Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed.
Jones revealed to the outlet that a welfare check was requested for Copeland around 4:15 P.M. central standard time.
After Copeland’s death, Alabama CBF said in a statement, “We grieve with the family of God at Phenix City First Baptist Church who have lost a beloved pastor and friend. We hold all those who mourn Bubba Copeland in the light and love of Christ as they await the promised comfort of God.”
