Commission on Christian Homophobia

The Key Findings

1. That the majority of homophobic abuse suffered by gay men and lesbians in the UK is supported by the words and actions of the Christian churches.
2. That such homophobia has a serious and daily effect on the health and well-being of the gay and lesbian population of this country, sometimes leading to absence from work, depression, physical harm and even suicide.
3. That the Christian churches in the UK have had a disproportionate influence on legislation affecting gays and lesbians and have, at every turn, tried to frustrate the will of parliament, defy the international consensus on human rights, and to gain exemptions for themselves from the fair and equal treatment of lesbians and gay men.
4. That in their methods and organisation, conservative Christian groups in this country now amount to a 'Christian Right' similar to that which has been active in the US for some years.
5. That some Bishops and other church leaders act hypocritically in regard to the lesbian and gay members and clergy of their churches, knowing that they are licensing and ordaining gay clergy whilst publicly denying this.
6. That such hypocrisy rewards deceit and dishonesty and is deleterious to the health and well being of those who are forced into such a lifestyle.
7. That a significant number of clergy have been dismissed, made homeless and forced to rely on state benefits because of their sexuality.
8. That lesbian and gay church members are being expelled from congregations, lesbian and gay groups have been refused the use of church premises, church run welfare and housing organisations have specifically excluded gay men and lesbians.
9. That sermons and Christian resource material supporting gay men and lesbians have been censored or destroyed, and that young people in church youth groups and other Christian settings are being indoctrinated into homophobia.
10. That there are significant numbers of counselors, psychologists and other health professionals whose 'Christian' beliefs lead them to attempt the 'changing,' 'curing,' or 'exorcising' of gay men and lesbians against all the advice of reputable profess ional associations.
11. That there are occasional instances of heroic and truly Christian people within the churches taking a stand to support the lesbian and gay community. There are many gay and lesbian Christians who are prepared to work for the redemption of the churches from the sin of homophobia, often at great personal cost.

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