Houston-based Pastor Joel Osteen is responding to criticism after his Lakewood Church was accused of closing its doors to Hurricane Harvey evacuees.
Criticism started on Sunday when the megachurch said on social media that it was "inaccessible due to severe flooding!" However, others posted photos online that appeared to show the area around the church was wet, but passable.
Coming to the church’s defense, blogger Lynn Gabriel posted photos of a flooded interior to of the church. In a statement, Osteen said the church has "never" closed its doors and will continue to be a distribution center for those in need and act as a shelter once others fill up.
The church is now open and accepting those displaced.