Jody Trautwein

Jody Trautwein (born c. 1971) is the youth pastor at Point of Grace Church and former executive director of the Alabama Coalition Against Same-Sex Marriage. Trautwein ran in the 2009 Birmingham mayoral election.

After being contacted in January 2009 about appearing in a German documentary, Trautwein agreed to come to a Huntsville home for a staged "counseling session" with the Brüno character. As they spoke Trautwein explained that faith in Christ can help individuals overcome homosexual tendencies and asked the star if he was ready to ask Jesus into his heart. Actor Sacha Baron Cohen (portraying the character) responded by asking if Trautwein was hitting on him. Trautwein was offended by Cohen's barrage of "vile, repulsive" questions, but is heartened that, even after heavy editing, his witness for Christ did make the final film. He hopes that the message reaches some viewers who otherwise may not have been exposed to the gospel.

Trautwein has a business management degree with an emphasis on finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

References

• Garrison, Greg (July 8, 2009) "Birmingham youth pastor Jody Trautwein, pranked by actor Sacha Baron Cohen, glad attempt to share faith remains in film 'Bruno'." Birmingham News

External links

• Interview with Trautwein CBS42.com, accessed November 19, 2009
• Joshua Generation website
• Jody Trautwein page at Point of Grace Church website