Press Release                                                                       16 November 2000

 

Widespread Christian Homophobia condemned by Lesbian and Gay Christians

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement [LGCM] has today [16 November 2000] published the first report from the Commission on Christian Homophobia.

    Key Findings include:
  • The majority of homophobic abuse suffered by gay men and lesbians in the United Kingdom is supported by the words and actions of the Christian Churches
  • 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
  • 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.
    It also contains articles
  • on the rise of the Christian Right in Britain, detailing their tactics and objectives
  • surveying sociological data on harm caused to young people by homophobia
  • offering a theological analysis of how violence against lesbian and gay people is perpetuated in the churches


Preface by Ben Bradshaw, MP and an Introduction by Monica Furlong. The report includes a representative sample of 12 Case Studies, and 75 Recommendations for Good Practice.

One immediate and practical consequence of the Commission's findings is the creation of the
Christian Homophobia Hotline (020 7613 1095)

A follow-up conference tackling issues raised by the report and reactions to it will be held on 8 September 2001.

The report will be launched at a Press Conference on Thursday 16 November at 1.00pm in the Jubilee Room, Palace of Westminster. Publication takes place in the week that the first session of the new General Synod of the Church of England is taking place at Church House, Westminster

This report is a world first, and exposes much that is wrong with the Churches. “If our Churches are ever to become safe places for lesbian and gay people,” said Rev Richard Kirker, LGCM General Secretary, today, “they will have to act as if they know homophobia is evil and must be confronted whenever it surfaces. Those in positions of leadership have a particular responsibility to attend Homophobia Awareness courses, and these will be arranged by LGCM. Homophobia is a scandal and an offence to the Gospel which is causing much harm to many individuals.”

ENDS

Further Details: Richard Kirker 020 7739 1249

Christian Homophobia: the Churches' Persecution of Gay and Lesbian People
ISBN 0 946310 10 6 [£5.00 + 75p&p]