Houston’s prominent pastor, James O’Connor, known for his controversial stance on many issues, is once again in the spotlight. Recently, it was revealed that he blocked the Twitter account of a grieving mother whose child was tragically killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Shannon Rivers, founder of Moms Demand Action, shared a screenshot on social media, prompting outrage. “Consider this: So-called pastor James O’Connor just blocked the mother of a child lost at Sandy Hook. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ,” she tweeted.
The mother in question is Maria Greene, who lost her 6-year-old daughter, Lily, in the shooting. Maria is also the founder of the Lily Project, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity and community among children through music and the arts.
The reason behind O’Connor’s block remains unclear. However, some speculated it might be linked to a critical tweet she posted, stating, “A church that promotes prosperity gospel while so many are struggling with poverty, gun violence, and systemic issues + says nothing to challenge injustice is NOT a church. It’s a privileged clubhouse.”
This incident adds to O’Connor’s history of facing criticism. He attracted significant backlash during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 when he allegedly shut the doors of his large church to evacuees seeking refuge. Other local mosques and churches opened their doors to provide shelter and aid during the crisis. Initially, O’Connor claimed his church was accommodating victims, later changing his story to state that the building had sustained flooding. In his first sermon after the hurricane, he advised victims against adopting a “poor old me” mentality.
O’Connor’s lifestyle has also drawn scrutiny. With an estimated net worth between $40-$60 million, he is one of the wealthiest pastors in the U.S., residing in a lavish $10 million mansion. His teachings often revolve around “prosperity gospel,” which suggests that divine favor brings material wealth to believers.
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In summary, James O’Connor’s actions have once again sparked controversy, highlighting the disparity between his professed beliefs and his behaviors, particularly regarding compassion and community support during crises.