Turmoil in the Anglican Communion over homosexuality is ostracizing the potentially huge gay constituency from ever setting foot in church

THE CURRENT turmoil in the Anglican Communion over homosexuality is ostracizing the potentially huge gay constituency from ever setting foot in church, campaigners have warned. Leaders of Christian gay groups have highlighted the growing spiritual hunger that exists amongst the gay community after a recent survey by the Gay Times.

This showed 50 per cent of the 2,000 gay people who were took part in the poll said they held religious beliefs. Colin Coward, director of the Changing Attitude lesbian and gay network, said the church’s current confusion over homosexuality meant many gay people felt excluded. He added: “I’ve no doubt that many people who might have expressed an interest in some sort of faith or attending church have been put off by all the things that have been reported about homosexuality and the Anglican Communion. “I’m sure many gay people would probably think twice about venturing through the door of an Anglican church, as they may wonder what sort of welcome they would receive. “It’s a real tragedy for churches and these individuals who are being put off taking part in a faith journey.”

Richard Kirker, General Secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, said many gay people were interested in religion. He said: “We’ve always believed that spirituality is more important to members of the gay community than their leadership would often credit. “When will the church open its eyes to the huge resource of people waiting to be embraced?” Meanwhile, Vicky Powell, editor of the Gay Times, said religious organisations had to start reaching out to the gay community.

“We’ve never had such a large response to our online survey and this shows the depth of feelings that this subject generates for many gay people. “Can religious organisations really ignore this group any longer?” From The Church of England Newspaper