A leading Christian charity in the U.K. is concerned about a push to criminalize prayer — even of a “gentle, non-coercive” nature — that doesn’t wholeheartedly affirm LGBT lifestyles.
In early June, David Walker, bishop of Manchester, told The Guardian he supports the ban, noting wherever activity “has harmed someone, the person who has caused the harm should face prosecution.”
He included in his support, however, a caveat. Walker said there should be an exception made for “gentle, non-coercive prayer” against LGBT behavior. Instead, the governmental prohibition should apply “where there is a level of power imbalance and a level of force,” he argued.
Jayne Ozanne, an activist and prominent lesbian Anglican, took issue with Walker’s suggestion there should be any allowances.
“I’m very grateful to Bishop David for his clear support for a ban, although I would strongly refute that ‘gentle, non-coercive prayer’ should be allowed,” she said. “All prayer that seeks to change or suppress someone’s innate sexuality or gender identity is deeply damaging and causes immeasurable harm, as it comes from a place — no matter how well-meaning — that says who you are is unacceptable and wrong.”
The U.K.-based Christian Institute issued a statement last Thursday, announcing it is “alarmed” by the push for the government to criminalize such prayers. Read more …
Source : CBN