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US pastor who called congregation 'poor, broke, busted and disgusted' for not buying him a luxury watch apologises

A US pastor who said his congregation was "poor, broke, busted and disgusted" for not buying him the luxury watch he wanted has issued an apology.

Carlton Funderburke, the senior pastor at Church at the Well in Kansas City, Missouri, issued an apology for his "inexcusable" remarks.

A video clip of his sermon from 7 August in which he berated his church members for not "honouring" him with a Movado watch went viral on TikTok.

"This is how I know you're still poor, broke, busted and disgusted, because of how you been honouring me," he says.

"I'm not worth your McDonald's money? I'm not worth your Red Lobster money? I ain't worth your St John Knits - y'all can't afford nohow. I ain't worth y'all Louis Vuitton?

"I ain't worth your Prada? I'm not worth your Gucci?" he raged in the nearly minute-long clip.

"And y'all know I asked for one last year. Here it is all the way in August and I still ain't got it," he said.

"Y'all ain't said nothing. Let me kick down the door and talk to my cheap sons and daughters."

Many people in the comments condemned Mr Funderburke for preaching about material items.

"That would've been my last day in his church," a commenter wrote.

"I would've left so fast and loudly, oh no sir," another said.

Another wrote: "I missed the scripture about the Movado watch."

In his apology, the pastor said: "Though there is context behind the content of the clip, no context will suffice to explain the hurt and anguish caused by my words.

"I've spoken to those I am accountable to and have received their correction and instruction," he said.

"I have also privately apologised to our church, who has extended their love and support to me."