The Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex relationships is harming the witness of the Church, Californian megachurch pastor Rick Warren has said.

In a wide-ranging interview with Premier Christianity magazine, the American pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life said gay relationships were “not God’s best” and that he would separate from a denomination over this issue.

“I happen to believe that gay relationships are not God’s best. I think I can make a pretty strong case for that. If we were all gay, none of us would be here…what is the purpose of homosexuality? It can’t [pro]create.” he said.

Warren told Premier Christianity that he supported the work of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a conservative group of Anglican archbishops and leaders who oppose recent changes to the Church of England’s guidance on sexuality.

In February, GAFCON called for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt Rev Justin Welby, to step down from his role leading the Anglican Communion, after the Church of England’s General Synod voted in favour of blessing same-sex unions 250 votes to 181.

“I know all of these African [archbishops]…and they’re actually meeting in a thing called GAFCON in April, which as you know, is basically saying we think that our leaders have strayed too far from Scripture. I actually support that, because I think that [it] is harming the testimony of the Church.”

“If you’re harming the testimony of the Church, then the Bible says you should separate from those kind of Christians,” he added.

Rick Warren was speaking to Megan Cornwell. Read the full interview in an upcoming issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe here.