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UK News

Vicar condemns York Minster gay pride blessing

Revd Melvin Tinker condemned Canon Michael Smith of York Minster for his decision to come out onto the steps of the Minster and bless the pride parade.

"Would he say that serial adulterers should be welcome in the church?", the vicar asked. "Should he say that people engaged in paedophilia should be welcome in the church?

"What he is basically saying is that in his opinion, this is a valid activity."

During an interview on 104.7 Minster FM the vicar was questioned if he was likening homosexuality to paedophilia.

"What I'm saying is that if the category - we are talking about moral categories here- and if homosexual general sex falls into the immoral category, then it is in the same category as any other immoral action," he replied.

The clergyman was challenged by the interviewer who said the blessing could be an attempt to show the Church was open to all types of people.

But he replied: "At one time homosexual activity was illegal, I don't think legality in the eyes of the law is anything to do with this. What we are talking about is whether certain actions are right or wrong in God's eyes, as he has revealed it in stricture, and also natural law as well.

"The tradition of scripture is that it isn't. The tradition of the church is that it isn't. The tradition of natural law is that it isn't.

"For the canon to flaunt these under the manner of equality is disingenuous.

"I am outraged that this should go on in the name of York Minster, in the name of Christianity, and in the name of the diocese.

"It really is just so provocative, and is incredibly insensitive, and a plain wrong thing to do at this time. I would have hoped that the Archbishop [John Sentamu] would have spoken out against this."

No one was available for comment at the Diocese of York or York Minster.

Revd Tinker has been approached for comment by Premier.

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