Rev Paul Bailey has become the first African-Caribbean Pentecostal minister in Britain to state that the Black Christian community should be more inclusive and welcoming of gay people, and that the Bible contains theological grounds for same-sex marriage. Revd Bailey, who co-pastors The Regeneration Project in Mitcham, South London, was spiritually born and raised in the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
According to Revd Bailey, The Bible encourages Christians to support people excluded from society, including same -sex couples.
Speaking on the News Hour Revd Bailey co-pastors told Premier's Des Busteed his views have caused a reaction with the Pentecostal community:
His comments come as the gay marriage bill currently going through parliament, is expected to be voted on again by MPs after the Easter break.
Politicians will have to approve amendments made to the now completed committee stage of the proposal before it can be sent to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
Meanwhile in the US, a law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman only has been sharply criticised by Supreme Court justices at a landmark hearing.
A judge considered the court's swing vote joined four liberal colleagues in questioning the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (Doma).
Legal analysts speculated that the law, which denies various federal benefits to gay couples, may be struck down.
A ruling on the case is expected by the end of June.
Revd Bailey, who co-pastors The Regeneration Project in Mitcham, South London, was spiritually born and raised in the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is a theology graduate from Spurgeon's College and the University of Wales, and is the son and grandson of church leaders.
He has been a Christian for 35 years, ministering and preaching the Gospel for 27 years, and was ordained at the age of 27.