Gay and Lesbian Humanists Call on Bishop of Rochester to Repent and for Church of England Disestablishment

The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) calls on the Bishop of Rochester to apologise, following his call on gays and lesbians to “repent and change”. It also sees this as evidence of the urgent need to disestablish the Church of England.

GALHA Secretary David Christmas commented: “The bishop’s call is not only profoundly insulting and condescending to hundreds of thousands of gay people in this country living happily in loving relationships which enrich their communities, but is further evidence that much of the Church continues to see gay and lesbian people as second class citizens.”

“Bishop Nazir Ali makes it clear that for much of the Church, gay people are “welcomed” only on condition that we accept agree to lead loveless and frustrated lives.”

“This outburst makes the case for immediate disestablishment of the Church of England even stronger. While the Bishop is entitled to his bigoted views, an organisation which provides a platform for them has no place as the established religion of England, still less to special privileges such as reserved seats in the national legislature.”

“Humanists believe in a secular society in which people are entitled to follow their own beliefs, religious or otherwise. Also, unlike most religions, humanists have been consistent in affirming loving gay relationships and in campaigning for gay rights over the past few decades.”