Free Presbyterian advert ignites fresh anti-gay storm
Standards body is to determine if ad breaks guidelines
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
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The Advertising Standards Authority is investigating whether an advertisement placed by the Kirk Session of the Sandown Free Presbyterian Church in a Northern Ireland newspaper ahead of the Gay Pride Parade last week breached advertising codes.
The 540-word advertisement, which described homosexuality as an abomination, defined homosexuals as perverts and called on religious followers to maintain a very public stance against the gay community despite recent violent homophobic attacks, was placed in the News Letter on Friday, August 1, the day before the annual event.
In the advertisement, the church — led by the Rev David McIlveen — justifies its hostility towards the gay community by ‘quoting’ from the Bible and lambasts the need for a parade which celebrates a “profitable lifestyle”.
The church condemns recent homophobic attacks, but said some attacks may have been “provoked” by a section of the gay community’s “desire to be known for a perverted form of sexuality” and called on followers to continue to protest against them despite these attacks.
“It is a cause for regret that a section of the community desire to be known for a perverted form of sexuality, which in certain incidences has provoked the unacceptable and totally unjustifiable response of violence.
“Such a response, however, must not intimidate the church into silence,” the advertisement says.
It certainly creates a climate of hatred. By defining people as perverts, it gives others licence to attack
“The act of sodomy is a grave offence to every Bible believer who, in accepting the pure message of God’s precious word, express the mind of God by declaring it to be an abomination, (Leviticus, ch18 v 22, ‘thou shalt not lie down with mankind, as with womankind; it is an abomination’.)
This unequivocal statement clearly articulates God’s judgment upon a sin that has been only made controversial by these who are attempting to either neutralise or remove the guilt of their wrongdoing.
“The issue of human rights is no longer a basis for this parade, as successive governments have legislated for the lowering of the age of consent, the authorisation of civil partnerships and the inheritance rights of a nominated partner.
“This parade is not a welcome addition to our city, neither is it a positive celebration of a profitable lifestyle flaunting a form of sexuality that generations of men and women have righteously resisted and by gods grace will continue to resist.”
So far the ASA has received five complaints about the advertisement and a spokeswoman said a judgment could be expected by the end of the week.
One of the complainants, Gareth, who withheld his surname, said he was shocked and disturbed by advert which he says was a vicious and dangerous attack on the gay community.
“It is very disturbing and distressing,” he said.
“It doesn’t define people as complex individuals who are brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.
“It defines people by a sexual act which is deeply offensive,” he said.
“It certainly creates a climate of hatred. By defining people as perverts, it gives others licence to attack.
“It’s divisive and goes against and undermines equality legislation. It’s also damaging to community relations.
“I think the ad does breach a number of codes on so many levels. I know for me I feel that it was a very public attack. The language is so strong and its disgraceful.”
The Belfast Telegraph contacted the Sandown Free Presbyterian Church for comment but no-one returned our calls.
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70 Comments
Response to Hughie -
"The Gay Community want it all their own way and God help* anyone who would be bold enough to oppose them."
Their own way being equality to straight people, how awful!
"The parade should be "X" rated and the public warned that it may not be suitable for children to watch and will be offensive to many people."
This made me laugh, there were children in the crowd at the 2009 parade (and 07/08), it was mostly gay people marching with Amnesty signs, and the Free Presbyterian "Church" preaching hate greeted by love!
Quite amusing most protesters were middle age men with their wives... insecurity is a terrible thing! Also a few children holding signs they don't understand, very westboro baptist church!
very true mike, so narrow-minded I had to walk out of a voluntary post, and that is why I attend pride, I faced discrimination because of my sexuality, my social networking sites had homophobic comments, I've had homophobic calls ect. how christian!!
Posted by Ben | 27.09.09, 03:01 GMT
Yet again another rant by the Free Presbyterian "Church", what about live and let live or Love thy Neighbour?
Its depressing the such narrow minded views exist in NI and are being encouraged by free presbyterians.
They are always so sure that their "Religion" is the only true "Christian" one. Strange extreme Islam also has such beliefs and I wont even mention what happened 8 years ago to almost this day
Posted by mike | 13.09.09, 21:06 GMT
There is N|oTHING of real substance in the Bible that prohibits loving same gender relationships. The Leviticus they quote was an old purity code ofr the ancient priests of Israel. We as Christians (I am a committed protestant Christian) are not bound by this. We aren't Jewish.
Sodom and Gomorrah was punishment for attempted heterosexual gang rape against Lot's daughters and attempted rape of the angellic visitors. Gomorrah as a town, didn't even actually exist.
The part in Romans was about transvestite prostitution and not committed same gender relationships.
I think people need to examine their hearts and see that vitiol like this is wrongful and definitely against the nature of Jesus. He never once said anything negative about gays.
Also, in the Bible, there are only 3 admonitions to homosexuals yet 1,847 admonitions to heterosexuals. Heterosexuals aren't wrong, they just seem to need more supervision.
Posted by Tony | 09.12.08, 12:52 GMT
As a visitor from England to Belfast i was shocked that such langue about gay people would be allowed.
Being gay is not a life style choice or an abomnination.
We should value all sexuality and peoples right to love people of the same sex.
Despite this and other homophobic comments i and the other Lesbians Gay Men and Bisexual people had a great day.
Posted by yVONNE wASHBOURNE | 20.08.08, 14:47 GMT
I begin by saying thank you for the opportunity to express our opinions here. I also very strongly believe, just as GOD says,that homosexuality is an abomination. He is the creator of heaven and earth, and as such He has the right to lay down the rules of life after all HE sustains all life, and will judge all in the end.
Posted by William Hey | 14.08.08, 09:59 GMT
If I cannot convince you the Bible is the true word of God, I know I will never convince you that homesexuality is wrong, nor will I convince you the penalty of your sins is death and Jesus is the only salvation.
Even so I do not hate you! It is not hateful for me to tell you the Bible describes homosexuality as an abomination. It is not hate speach to say it is wrong. I condemn your sin, not you, and it does not make be bigot to say so. I am not singling out gays, all sin is sin in the eyes of God. And you cannot expect me to stay quiet, the word of God says to spread his message to all nations!
Posted by Ben | 12.08.08, 00:32 GMT
Dispite the many arguments made about whether "gay" is wrong. Does this all not come down to one single difference of belief?
Do you believe the Bible is the word of God? I do!
And for the common argument that man wrote the bible, not God. Actually, men transcribed the words of God devinely given them. They did not create the words any more than your printer creates the words it prints.
Posted by Ben | 12.08.08, 00:31 GMT
Leviticus 18:22 is very clear in its command from GOD and it is sad that in our society today we have come to accept what is clearly an abomination to our creator, who will in HIs time judge all of us for taking no heed to HIS warnings.
The book of Romans once again tells us to listen to what GOD tells us regarding our sexual practices and warns us in clear terms of the results of our actions.
It is now time for evangelical christians to make a clear stand for what the bible teaches on the subject of homosexuality and sin as we are in grave danger within our society of being overwhelmed by this tide of lawlessnes.
Posted by ron | 11.08.08, 18:11 GMT
If you believe that the Bible is God’s word as I do, then this unseemly act is sinful.
Also if you believe that the Bible is a standard to which men and women should start with, then the Bible is above man because it is God breathed and is a standard for what is Right and Wrong.
So then, if there is a question for which we want to know the answer then we must always go back to the standard which is the Bible God’s inerrant word.
The New Testament says homosexuality is unseemly. Romans 1:27
The Old Testament puts it a bit more strongly, the sin of the Sodomites.
The New Testament says receiving in themselves that recommence of their error which was meet.
I will give the fact, that because of homosexuals’ life stile they live 20 years shorter than those in a normal relationship.
May they plead with the Lord for forgiveness and turn away from this sinful way of life.
Posted by Paul | 10.08.08, 23:03 GMT
Here's to you Mrs Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you can know. The gays don't seem to be very keen on you, though.
Posted by maggie | 10.08.08, 21:24 GMT
Thank you Kirk Session of the Sandown Free Presbyterian Church in a Northern Ireland! We need more men like you to stand on the Word of God!
Posted by Karen, Minnesota | 10.08.08, 14:28 GMT
I too do not agree with the gay lifestyle as a Christian but can also see the hypocrisy of the Free Presbyterians. How do I know - because I had been a part of the Free Presbyterian Church for years. I for one do not support them because of the hypocrisy within their own church among their brethren.
Posted by Esther | 09.08.08, 20:52 GMT
Response to Hughie -
I am not sure what country you are living in, but the protesters DO have the right to protest. Less of this nonsense about Christians being denied their rights please - can you tell me one right that gay people have that Christians do not?
As for children not being allowed to see the parade, I counted hundreds of children and young people ON the parade! They all enjoyed themselves immensely.
Posted by Brian Adams | 09.08.08, 17:08 GMT
I am sure it will come as harsh news to several posters here, but
the Bible teaches that unbelievers do not have the capability to understand the Bible. As an unbeliever, they do not yet have the mind of Christ. Only the Elect, those whom God has chosen, in fact foreordained before the foundation of the earth, have that understanding.
As far as it is concerned about the Belfast Telegraph being unsuccessful in contacting the Sandown Free Presbyterian Church,
You did not try hard enough, because you were probably doing this column at the last minute.
Posted by Doug Stewart | 09.08.08, 03:01 GMT
Well,Well,Well, that hatred thing again in N.Ireland.....never mind a gay gene,what about a hatred gene????? It seems to be ever present in the N.Irish people. They just need people to hate. If it's not for religion, it will be for nationality, gay, next doors net curtains, colour of the sky, on and on and on...it's the hatred gene,they just can't help it!!!!
Posted by Gaz,Sydney,Australia | 09.08.08, 02:03 GMT
The Gay Community want it all their own way and God halp anyone who would be bold enough to oppose them. They can parade their immoral lifestyle by their undress and drama on their Gay Parade. Give those who oppse them the right to oppose and the right to protest against what they believe to be wrong. The parade should be "X" rated and the public warned that it may not be suitable for children to watch and will be offensive to many people.
Hughie
Posted by Hughie | 08.08.08, 23:57 GMT
Response to Taffypad: Please don't just quote scripture at me implying I am filth, an abomination and lacking of knowledge. For a start, the comment which resulted in your Psalm 14: 1-4 response was ironic and directed at a comment Chris made earlier. Secondly, can you not formulate a response based on your own thoughts and ideas instead of just cuting and pasting passages out of the Bible. I am not wise enough to be in a position to say whether there is a God or not, however I am open to searching for enlightment through research and having an open mind.
Posted by kay | 08.08.08, 20:53 GMT
Carol is entitled to her belief that everyone who has committed a sin and has not repented for that sin will burn in Hell for all eternity - really she is - that's what people fought and died in wars to defend.
However I will never be convinced by anyone that she has the right to force that viewpoint onto anyone else. A decent Christian will keep their belief to themselves, happy in the knowledge that they are saved; you won't see them standing on street corners waving the bible - which is NOT the word of God - and damning us all!
Can't the FP have a little dignity, show some Christian spirit and just let the rest of us sinners get on with living our lives - whoever we are and however we want to... after all people fought wars so that we could have the freedom to do that too.
Posted by Colin | 08.08.08, 16:37 GMT
To Carol:
"Regardless of the views of anyone it does not in one way matter what anyone believes, God does exist..."
How is this not just your view also Carol? Do you not see the contradictions in your statement?
In any case it's not bigotry, it's objecting to a rather nasty public attack.
Posted by chuffy | 08.08.08, 13:27 GMT
The Bible says Homosexuality is an abomination, and contrary to what people believe the Bible is TRUTH and God did create the heavens and the earth and only the fool believes there is no God.
That said gays are trying to shout the mouths of Christians so they are the bigots. Regardless of the views of anyone it does not in one way matter what anyone believes, God does exist and in the end all those who work abomination are cast into hell. Love is telling someone that they are in danger of hell fire not ignoring them and saying their ok
Posted by Carol | 08.08.08, 11:08 GMT
70 Comments