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Kansas City Today

A gay pastor's ouster in St. Joseph

By Madeline Fox,
Anna Schmidt
Published January 4, 2024 at 4:00 AM CST
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Brian Kirk lost his position on a volunteer library board over his support for LGBTQ+ rights. Progressive residents say the incident has revealed discrimination in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Last summer, St. Joseph, Missouri, erupted in controversy after one evangelical pastor launched a campaign to keep a gay pastor of a progressive church from being reappointed to the city’s volunteer library board.

KCUR's Nomin Ujiyediin reports some residents say the uproar revealed divides and discrimination in the small community.

Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

Kansas City Today is hosted by Madeline Fox. It is produced by Anna Schmidt and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg.

You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate.

Tags
Kansas City Today LGBTQ+St. JosephDraglibrariesreligionpoliticsChristianity
Madeline Fox
The vibrant, diverse Kansas City metro is trying to make its mark on the global stage. As KCUR’s interim news director, I strive to bring you stories — wherever you usually find them — that help you stay informed, better know your home and reflect the joy of being in your community. Email me at madeline@kcur.org.
See stories by Madeline Fox
Anna Schmidt
Anna Schmidt is the fall 2023 intern for KCUR Studios. She recently graduated from Kansas State University, where she was the Opinions Desk Editor for the Collegian student newspaper and took over the role of podcast host. You can email her at anna.schmidt@kcur.org.
See stories by Anna Schmidt
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