In an interview with a US website, Pastor Dave Roberts told of how he has gotten letters saying that he should’ve taught the controversial star better.
He said: “We’ve gotten hate mail over the years because that’s how people are. My thought on that is it’s easy to criticise until you’ve lived the pressure of it.
“They write to the church because they assume that anything she does and when she was younger anything on the show that they didn’t like, they would write to me and say, ‘you should have taught her better’. It’s silly.”
But, despite being blamed for Miley’s sometimes out-there behaviour, Pastor Roberts remains supportive of the young star.
He said: “I usually write them back to say, ‘you’re talking about a young girl, maybe your prayer and support would be more valuable that your critique… you can’t imagine the pressure [she’s under].’”
Although Miley no longer attends his church, Pastor Roberts says she’s always welcome.
“If she ever needs help, she can know I’m here for her. I know Tish and Billy Rae much better, and Noah I know fairly well because my daughter and Noah are friends.”
And, speaking about Miley’s parents and the rest of her family, he said: “We believe that what they’re doing is very important and sometimes very difficult.
“We do our best to be supportive of a family that we know is under terrific pressure, we’ve got their back, we’re here for them, whatever happens.
“I would always want her to feel that we’re standing by her and helping and supporting and praying for her.”