Gary Birdsong
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Gary Eugene Birdsong is a travelling fundamentalist Christian preacher who frequents college campuses across the United States, particularly in North Carolina. He is known for his unorthodox interpretation of the Bible and his theatrical, accusatory style of preaching. He will often argue vehemently with other, more moderate Christians, who often accuse him of misrepresenting the Christian faith and driving people away from it with his extremism.
Birdsong, known to his audience as "The Pit Preacher" (at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), "The Brickyard Preacher" (at North Carolina State University), "The Sanford Mall Preacher" (at Appalachian State University), "Joyner Steps Preacher" (at East Carolina University), "Preacher Gary" (at UNC Charlotte), or simply "Gary", has a large repertoire of subjects on which he preaches, ranging from the standards of heaven and hell, to drug use, premarital sex, homosexuality, Islam, atheism, feminism, communism, masturbation, rock and rap music, abortion, evolution, tolerance, politics, war, fashion, witchcraft, and demonic possession.
[edit] Students' reactions
On March 8, 2007, Birdsong was removed from The Pit by UNC Police following an incident. According to reports, members of the UNC outdoor recreation program Carolina Adventures had reserved half of The Pit to promote their programs. Shortly after they set up their materials, Gary entered The Pit near their table and began to preach. They asked him to move away from their table, and Birdsong moved about five feet from his previous location. The representatives for Carolina Adventures did not feel this was sufficient and subsequently summoned UNC Police to remove Birdsong from the area. He was removed to loud jeers directed at the police from the crowd that had gathered to watch him preach.[1] Birdsong was issued a trespass warning that prevents him from entering The Pit for two years. He can appeal the warning after one year. He has come back to preach, initially in front of Davis Library, about 100 feet from The Pit, but now can be found about 200 feet away, in front of Wilson Library on Polk Place.[2] He is now referred to as the "adjacent to the Pit" preacher.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Police remove Pit Preacher. The Daily Tar Heel (2007-03-09). Retrieved on 2007-03-09.
- ^ Pit Preacher returns to campus. The Daily Tar Heel (2007-03-21). Retrieved on 2007-03-21.
