An evangelical pastor and founder of The New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Virginia died of the coronavirus after he held a church service in defiance of safety protocols in late March, the church announced Sunday.
Bishop Gerald O. Glenn told his congregation he would hold service “unless I’m in jail or the hospital,” the New York Post reported. His last in-person service was held on March 22, in defiance of official warnings to practice social distancing as schools were closing, the New York Daily News reported.
“I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus. You can quote me on that,” the Bishop said, according to the New York Post. “I am essential. I’m a preacher, I talk to God!”
Church elder Bryan Nevers announced the bishop’s death via live stream on Easter Sunday, posted on the church’s YouTube page. The bishop’s family posted on social media, indicating he died from the coronavirus, according to WWBT.
“Our bishop has been a friend, as well as a spiritual Shepard to so many of us here at New Deliverance, and around the country. He will be missed by us all,” Elder Nevers said in his announcement.
The bishop’s widow, Mother Marcietia Glenn, tested positive for coronavirus as well, Mar-Gerie Crawley, Glenn’s daughter, said in a video posted on Facebook. The bishop initially did not seek medical treatment because of preexisting conditions that gave him symptoms similar to COVID-19, Crawley told WTVR.
“He has diverticulitis, so it’s not uncommon for him to get fevers or, you know, virus or sinus infection,” Crawley told WTVR. “I just beg people to understand the severity and the seriousness of this, because people are saying it’s not just about us, it’s about everyone around us.”
