News by email Donate

Suggestions

man-silhouette-main_article_image.jpg
Wikimedia Commons
UK News

Churches accused of fuelling gay suicides

Produced by the Christian charity, Oasis, the study claims to be the first to demonstrate a link between church attitudes towards same-sex relationships, societal attitudes and poorer mental health among LGB people.

Founder, Rev Steve Chalke, said: "It is no secret that the negative stance taken by the Church, and so many individual local churches, has a hugely distressing impact on large numbers of LGB people and leaves countless numbers of them living lives of forced secrecy and dishonesty.

"Tragically, it is also common knowledge that the resultant anguish and distress often leads to spiritual, mental and physical harm, and in the worst of cases to people making the desperate decision to take their own life."

Oasis concluded LGB people are twelve times more likely to experience mental health problems including depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide.

The research came under fire from a spokesman on issues surrounding sexuality, Rev Peter Ould, who said it doesn't prove the claims it makes.

Rev Ould said: "The paper produces no quantitative or qualitative evidence that commentary, that criticism from conservative Christian circles does itself cause mental health issues."

Oasis also accused every major UK church denomination, except the United Reformed Church, of practising some kind of discrimination against LGB people.

Rev Ould urged a cautious response but added: "We do need to think about our tone. We do need to think about whether we are in some parts obsessed by this issue and we should be moving on.

"But, at the same time, I don't think we need to be afraid or scared of this report - it does not prove the point it is trying to make."

The study found Christians are responsible for 91 per cent of the negative comments about same-sex relationships in the media, while church-going politicians are the cause of 54 per cent of political opposition to equal laws for LGB people.

Speaking about the experiences of LGB people, Steve Chalke added: "Too often however, these powerful testimonies are dismissed by those that don't want to hear them - those who are not yet ready to face up to the scale of the damage that we collectively have unintentionally caused.

"My hope is that this report is the beginning of a sea change to this approach."

Click here to listen to Rev Peter Ould speaking with Premier's Marcus Jones:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate