Inclusion, not persecution; Misuse of Bible to vilify homosexuals saddens gay minister

Misinterpretation of the Bible turns many gays and lesbians off from church, says a local minister.

"The church has provided the theological justification for the persecution of gay and lesbian people," said Rev. George Moore, an area minister in the United Church of Canada.

Moore, an openly gay reverend, said scripture is dangerously misused in relation to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, and often counters Christian fundamen- tals.

"Jesus didn't say one word against homosexuality or sexual orientation. It's all about interpretation.

"The lens by which we interpret scripture, for Christians, always has to be love and compassion," he said.

"When people are irrationally hateful toward others, it indicates a lot of unresolved issues in their own lives - issues around control, self-esteem (and), quite possibly, their own sexual orientation. I've met gay bashers that have finally realized they're gay. That self-loathing corrodes your soul."

Moore, 57, came out before his congregation last fall after seeing the movie "Brokeback Mountain" - seven times.  More.