Minister accuses Norwich Pride of ‘lowering standards’
By Will Stroude
A Norfolk minister has accused Norwich Pride of “lowering society’s standards”.
Reverend Mark Taylor of Carleton Rode Baptist Church is one of several local religious leaders to criticise the event, Network Norwich reports. The parade is set to take place this Saturday (July 26).
“I feel saddened when humans flout the laws of God,” Reverend Taylor said. “We all do it in many avenues of life and faith – the Bible calls it sin and it is sin Jesus came to deal with, and remove the separation it beings between God and Humanity.
“By seeking to lower society’s standards, and even worse the standards of our faith, we see to make the unacceptable more palatable,” he added.
“I do not think the homosexual lifestyle is compatible with Christian living, but let’s seek to rectify the problems of broken living rather than flaunt it in the streets.”
Celebrations for the sixth annual Norwich Pride will take place throughout Saturday at The Forum, Millennium Plain – including a multimedia exhibition showcasing the work of Norfolk schools in tackling homophobia and transphobia in the classroom, as well as “story time” in the Millennium Children’s Library.
The Pride parade departs from Chapelfield Gardens at 2pm, while the event will also include an appearance from human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
Reverend Philip Young, a Norwich Anglican minister and Quaker, was quick to defend the event, saying: “I will yet again be supporting the colour and diversity of Norwich Pride, which I believe enriches the Norwich community – and its colourful presence and challenges the community here to be an inclusive and welcoming one.”
“Well done Norwich Pride and keep bringing colour to the streets of Norwich,” he added.
For more information on the event visit the Norwich Pride website.
For more information or to book Exclusive Gay Travel packages visit marriott.co.uk/GayTravel.
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