Homophobic Church Criticized

Christian churches have often been very unwelcoming for gays and lesbians, something that many church leaders would like to change. One of them is the Right Rev Professor Iain Torrance, leader of the Church of Scotland, who has called upon the Christian congregations everywhere to shed their homophobia.

The BBC reports:

"These are spiritual matters because hatred may only be cured by a change of heart," according to the Right Rev Professor Iain Torrance. The moderator has said he would not be opposed to openly gay ministers. ... "We all require a change of heart because the church not least has contributed to the prevailing homophobic mindset."

It would certainly be nice if Christian groups could get past their homophobia because, once they do, it's possible that the social acceptance of gays would proceed more quickly. This isn't a guarantee - white Christian churches in America have official shed their racism, but American Christianity remains largely segregated and discrimination against blacks in America continues to be a problem. Despite this, it is arguable that continued Christian homophobia isn't going to help anything, so encouraging Christians to become more tolerant is more likely to help than not.

Read More:

• Religious Right
• Evangelicalism
• Evangelical Christianity & Homosexuality