Church Backlash Over Homophobic Guest Speaker on Gay Rights

By: William Lopez, Staff Writer

Grace Bible Church Receives Huge Backlash Over Homophobic Comments

JOHANNESBURG, SA – Members of the #OccupyGraceBibleChurch have said that they are eager to discuss gay rights for the LGBTI community with the institution.  The group has claimed that the ‘Grace Bible Church’ has been making homophobic comments during their sermons which many fear could spark hate crimes in the townships.

Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community, held a protest rally at the Soweto Church located at 1, 149 Mkhize St, during Sunday’s church service on January 29, 2017.  The demonstration was sparked after a guest pastor said that “homosexuality was unnatural during a recent sermon.”

Gay rights activist Cameron Modisane said…”We want the church to stop perpetuating homophobia.” said Modisane.  “The bishop who was here last week compared us with dogs, lizards and impalas which we’re totally against it. These are our bodies, we’re human and we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And also we’d like to engage with the church in dialogue.  Our community is tired of being compared to sinners and adulterers. You can’t walk by as a gay man or a lesbian in the township without someone passing swear words at you or being raped or killed. We are scared for our lives and it all starts in the church.” said Modisane.

After the backlash from the sermon, the Grace Bible Church released a statement by saying it welcomes gay people and never discriminated against homosexuals. The church has received huge backlash on social media after radio and TV personality Somizi Mhlongo voiced his opinion and anger about the homophobic comments at the church in Soweto on Sunday by the guest pastor.