''Well, you're the first minister, I ever heard say being gay was a gift from God, I can tell you that.''

Oprah Winfrey looking rather like she didn't know what to say after Rev. Ed Bacon told Sedrick, a gay man seeking financial advice, that "Being gay is a gift from God." A fellow spiritual leader, Michael Bernard Beckwith, who shared the stage for ''Oprah's Best Life: Spirtuality'' show, said he agreed with Rev. Bacon. (Oprah.com)

''I meant exactly what I said.... Our church was FULL of people this past Sunday. Our e-mail was FULL of comments. And what I gather, is that it simply unleashed a flood of healing throughout the country, and Australia, and Great Britain, and across the continent. It was amazing!.... Most of the mail that I received -- like 30 to 1 -- was appreciative of the information that being gay is a gift from God.... Ironically, the most meanspirited e-mail I received was from Christians, as I interpret it, in a condemning way.''

Rev. Ed Bacon on a follow-up show regarding his comments a week earlier which generated a lot of calls and controversy on the Oprah.com bulletin board. (Oprah Winfrey Show via GLAAD on YouTube)

''I think it's a huge opportunity. We take for granted that a message of toleration and inclusion is what God's message is about, but a lot of people have never heard this. What I find so wonderful is that Ed Bacon [is] able to use this national stage for an inclusive message about the love of God.''

Rev. Susan Russell, associate pastor at All Saints Church of Pasadena, CA. The church reportedly received thousands of emails after Rev. Ed Bacon appeard on Oprah and stated, ''Being gay is a gift from God." (Pasadena Weekly)