Pastor denounces Trump's remarks with Pence at church

LARGO, Md. — A Maryland pastor Sunday denounced remarks attributed to President Trump at a service attended by Vice President Pence and his wife.

“I stand today as your Pastor to vehemently denounce and reject any such characterizations of the nations of Africa and of our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” said Pastor Dr. Maurice Watson of the Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Jan. 15: President Trump: 'I am not a racist'

In his speech, the pastor mentioned that some congregation members were from Haiti and African countries. He called the president’s comments “hurtful” and “dehumanizing.” He went on to call for the president to be held accountable for his words.

Pence reportedly became visibly red-faced at times throughout the speech. Pence's office denied that in an email to The Associated Press.

After his comments, members of the congregation stood in support.

According to a report in the Washington Post on Jan. 11, Trump used a crude description of Haiti, El Salvador and African countries during immigration talks in the Oval Office.

Jan. 15: Durbin calls on White House to release tapes of Trump's remarks about African countries

"Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?" Trump reportedly told lawmakers on Thursday.

On Sunday, Trump denied reports that he used the vulgar term.

Trump made the denial as he arrived for dinner with House majority leader Kevin McCarthy at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Jan. 13: African ambassadors condemn Trump remarks as 'racist'

Asked if he is a racist, Trump said: "No, I'm not a racist. I am the least racist person you have ever interviewed."

According to Metropolitan Baptist Church's website, the historically black church was established a year after the Emancipation Proclamation. The service on Sunday was streamed on Facebook.