Katy Perry's minister parents tell packed congregation her divorce was a gift from God to help them fill churches



Katy Perry's religious parents have managed to see something positive in the breakdown of their daughter's one year marriage. The pair spoke about their daughter's divorce for the first time - from the pulpit of their evangelical church which was unusually packed it seems. And the ministers suggested her split with Russell Brand was a gift sent by God - to help them fill churches. The service was held yesterday, as removal containers were seen in the grounds of the celebrity couple's $6.5 million Hollywood Hills mansion, ready to cart away their belongings.

Mary, 63, preached to the Church on the Rise congregation in Westlake, Ohio: 'I'm sure that Katy's trending on the Internet was to get you here to church tonight 'I mean all over the world, who knows how God is bringing them in? The most important thing is you are here and God wants to put the fire in you in 2012.' She and husband Keith, 63, billed themselves as 'Katy Perry's parents in marketing materials for the event, reported CNN.

They spoke for about 90 minutes to 300 worshippers in the first service since Katy's split with the comedian on Friday. A video was shown before the Hudsons took the stage in Ohio showed them at award shows with Katy. Keith told the crowd he converted from a drug user to a Christian when he was 24 years old. He added that his daughter's success had helped the couple share their beliefs with Hollywood superstars. "What has taken place in my daughter's life has opened many opportunities to go in and be with guarded and gated people. 'God has given us a platform to go in and meet people — and they like us because we are cool. We are not threatening.'

Katy was brought up as a devout Christian in Santa Barbara, California. She listened only to gospel music and was banned from watching TV. Keith also choked back tears when talking about his daughter's different lifestyle, reported The Sun. 'I love my daughter and I will always love her. Stop being judgmental and critical. Do not close the doors to your loved ones, especially your children. 'Just because they do not like what you do or what you are, they are still praying that you stay in the race. They are counting on you. 'I believe in God, for every one of my children.' The service comes as it was claimed the 14-month marriage ended because Russell continuously mocked his in-laws' beliefs at family events.

Friends said the singer had asked Russell to file the court papers last month to avoid upsetting her parents, who are strongly opposed to divorce.

Originally posted by Neptune

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