Posting a message taken largely from a tweet by Rhode Island bishop Thomas Tobin, UK-based pastor Keith Waters suggested that Christians should not be supportive of events that are held in honor of LGBTQ Pride month.
“A reminder that Christians should not sup-port or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride month’ events held in June,” Waters noted. “They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Christian faith and morals. They are especially harmful to children.”
Almost immediately, Waters was met with a deluge of strong replies. A funeral director showed up at his residence, telling his wife he was there to arrange Waters’ funeral. It was alleged that some individuals began spreading rumors that Waters was a child molester, and the pastor was reprimanded by superiors for bringing the school into dis-repute and breaking the code of conduct.
As a result of this disciplinary action, Waters resigned his post, stating that carrying on in the role would mean he might be expected to go against his deeply held religious beliefs in the future.
The Rhode Island connection
On June 1, 2019, the first day of Pride month, Rhode Island Bishop Thomas Tobin had tweeted: “A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ “Pride Month” events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.”
The message went viral and drew immediate national backlash.
In response, Tobin issued another statement, which read in part, “I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community … I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter … I will be praying for a rebirth of mutual understanding and respect in our very diverse community.”
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