A church has been criticised for its “disturbingly homophobic” beliefs by organisers of Stafford Pride after it was given permission to move into a former cinema in the town.
Led by pastor Enoch Adeboye, who has previously called homosexuality evil and said gay marriage could bring about the end of human civilisation, the Reformed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was granted planning permission to move into the vacant 1930s building last month. Stafford Pride, which has its office opposite the site, said they are “deeply troubled” by the move, pointing to the church’s “anti-LGBTQ+ agenda”.
In a statement posted on social media, Stafford Pride, which brought colour and Pride to the town for the first time last year, said: “The RCCG has a disturbingly specific homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda and set of beliefs, which we stand steadfast against.
“As a town, Stafford is very open, loving and welcoming. We saw this in August at the first Stafford Pride – this is the town we must continue to be.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Stafford Pride chairman Jack Taylor-Walker said he was “horrified” at the church’s “incredibly hateful” views.
“We won’t give up on what we do. What we will do is call this out – we will always call homophobia out because we don’t accept it in our town,” he said.
Mr Taylor-Walker said he would be happy to engage with the church to “see how we can move forward”, though he was “steadfast” against any form of homophobia.
