The National Secular Society has referred a newly registered Christian charity to the regulator from promoting homophobia.
Buckinghamshire-based Marlow Baptist Church registered under the charitable purpose ‘the advancement of religion’ in June. Charities are legally required to act for the public benefit.
In a sermon titled ‘Confronting The Culture – The Image Of God’, charity trustee pastor Kenneth Claasen (pictured) sets out cultural practices which, if not confronted, “will destroy us“.
These include homosexuality, the theory of evolution and abortion. Children seem to be present during the sermon.
Claasen suggests homosexuality is a “perversion” and accepting homosexuality is a “normalisation of sin”.
He quotes a bible verse which describes homosexuality as “against nature” and “shameful”.
He later claims the Roman empire outlawed homosexuality because it caused “degradation” and “so much problems”.
Claasen says the theory of evolution is “just not sensical” and suggests Hinduism is responsible for ‘promoting’ evolution.
He goes on to describe abortion as “murder”, and compares it to burning children alive as a form of sacrifice.
Religious charities promoting homophobia
Marlow Baptist is one of many charities the NSS has reported to charity regulators in recent years.
Last month, the NSS reported Speke Baptist Church after its pastor told children homosexuality is a “degrading perversion”. The Charity Commission is assessing the sermon.
In April, the NSS reported Christianity charity C&S Akobi Olorun Restoration Ministry UK after its chair of trustees said gay people who marry are ‘acting like demons’.
The Charity Commission provided the charity with “advice and guidance” but the Facebook post in question remains up.
In other cases, the regulator has refused to take any action.
Forward in Faith Church International described the exorcism of a man possessed by a “homosexual spirit” as a “miracle”. But the Charity Commission told the NSS there was “no evidence” the charity “was advocating a particular position on homosexuality”.
NSS: ‘Spreading vicious homophobia not does not benefit the public’
National Secular Society spokesperson Alejandro Sanchez said: “This is just the latest example of a religious charity spreading vicious homophobia. Any suggestion it is acting in the public benefit is utterly farcical.
“It is of particular concern that the sermon in question appears to have been delivered to children.
“More fundamentally, however, ‘the advancement of religion’ is enabling faith groups to spread homophobia with impunity. Its inclusion as a charitable purpose must be urgently reviewed.”
Press coverage: