A hearing begins today into the dismissal of a theology lecturer who worked at a Methodist bible college.

The employment tribunal, which is taking place in Sheffield, will look into the termination of Dr Aaron Edwards who worked at Cliff College in Derbyshire. 

He was let go from his position last year following a controversial tweet he published in February in reference to the Church of England debating same sex blessings. 

In his post the father-of-six said "homosexuality is invading the Church".

The tweet went viral but when the College asked Edwards to remove it alleging it violated its social media policy, he refused arguing to retract it would compromise his conscience and his role as a Christian educator. 

The 39-year-old was subsequently suspended and then dismissed.

The hearing will assess claims of harassment, discrimination and unfair dismissal. Edwards is seeking damages, reinstatement and a declaration under the Equality Act 2010. 

Christian Concern's legal arm, Christian Legal Centre who is supporting him will argue that Cliff College violated Edwards' rights under Article 9 and Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights. 

The former lecturer who believes homosexuality is a sin has argued his opinion is shared with most of the global church and that his post was not controversial. 

Christian Legal Centre CEO Andrea Williams said in a statement: "It is deeply saddening to see a once renowned Bible college losing its way by no longer upholding the truth about marriage. What message does Aaron's sacking send to the next generation of leaders and pastors, and the future of Christian witness?"