CHURCH STARS PAYS TRIBUTE TO COMEDIAN FRED THOMAS JAN. 10

A hush fell over the Christian entertainment community at the news of Comedian Fred Thomas's passing. Having gained his heavenly wings after contracting the coronavirus, the reality of his death has left so many heartbroken. Fred, known professionally as "The Pastor Fred" was the first to host the Church Stars Awards in 2015, and the first to film his own sitcom "Faith Kutz" and comedy special "Won't He Do It" with the network.

Church Stars president Nicole Newman said in a statement:

"I am completely devastated at the news of Fred's passing. He was the first to grab a hold of Church Stars vision and got right in the trenches with me from the ground up. We had the same kind of passion for the Christian Arts and quickly became great friends. Fred was the type of person you felt like you've known all your life. We both talked each other through the ups and downs of the industry, to know that he's gone is something I can't quite process. He was a gentle giant and we will forever remember his legacy."

The Christian Arts community is slated to pay tribute to "The Pastor Fred" Sunday, January 10, 2021 6pm (MST) streaming live on YouTube.