Atlanta pastor criticized for Carrie Underwood performance

An Atlanta pastor is facing criticism after letting Carrie Underwood, a country superstar who has voiced support for gay marriage, perform at an evangelical conference he founded.

Underwood's presence at Passion 2017 didn't sit well with Wesley Wildmon, outreach director for the American Family Association, a Christian nonprofit that describes itself as pro-family. Wildmon shared his frustrations in an open letter to the Rev. Louie Giglio, who started the conferences geared toward young adults two decades ago.

“I was very frustrated that you would allow her to help lead thousands of people in worship. My frustration quickly turned to disappointment and then to sadness. Carrie Underwood encourages and supports homosexual marriage which the Word of God does not (1 Corinthians 6:12-20),” Wildmon said in the letter.

The Tennessean could not immediately reach Giglio for comment.

Underwood, who was not on the roster of artists scheduled to perform, surprised the Passion crowd when she took the stage Monday with singer David Crowder. Underwood performed her hit song "Something in the Water" on the first night of the three-day event at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Wildmon's open letter was published Wednesday by Engage Magazine, an American Family Association publication. He urged Giglio to pick artists whose beliefs align with traditional marriage views for future conferences.

"With the many Christian artists who believe and teach the full counsel of God’s Word available to lead worship at Passion, why would you choose one who publicly states homosexuality is not a sin?" Wildmon said in the letter. "It is God who has blessed you with this platform and it is God who can remove His hand of blessing if you become careless with His principles."

This is not the first time Giglio, who is the pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, has faced scrutiny over lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender views. In 2013, he was the initial choice for the benediction prayer at President Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony. Giglio was quickly withdrawn due to criticism over his opposition to same-sex marriage.

Reach Holly Meyer at 615-259-8241 and on Twitter @HollyAMeyer.