Gay and lesbian Humanists have reacted angrily to a new report from the Evangelical Alliance UK which purports to deliver a “heartfelt apology” for the “homophobia” of the Church in the past.
The report, however, makes clear that the Evangelical Alliance has not changed its policy in any meaningful way and it still refuses to accept lesbians and gay men unreservedly. The report entitled “Faith Hope and Homosexuality” maintains that homosexuals who have loving sexual relationships still “go against God’s will”, and it also resists the ordination of sexually active gay men and lesbians, as well as opposing the blessing of gay partnerships.
George Broadhead, secretary of the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA), said: “This report is nonsense. Nothing has changed in the Evangelical Alliance’s stance – it remains as bigoted as ever. The so-called apology is nothing but hollow cant posing as contrition. The churches have a long way to go to make up for the centuries of persecution they have heaped upon homosexuals.
“This is one apology we are not prepared to accept, simply because it isn’t genuine.”