Head of Faithworks supports SORs

Malcolm Duncan is the head of Faithworks, a Christian organisation which works to boost the role that individual Christians and the local church play within the community.

He surprised many Christians last week speaking in active support of the Sexual Orientation Regulations, debated in the House of Lords last Tuesday as thousands of Christians rallied in opposition outside.

Mr Duncan said that many Christians had misunderstood the use of the word ‘service’ to include such ceremonies as blessings of same-sex unions. Against widespread opposition among Christians, he welcomed the regulations as “an attempt to ensure that goods and services are delivered inclusively and in non-discriminatory ways”.

He addressed the fears of many Christians that churches may be forced under the regulations to hire out their rooms to pro-gay groups.

“A commitment to diversity through doing this does not mean losing your faith identity: it actually presents an opportunity to develop a dialogue and put the Gospel into action through demonstrating love and service,” he said.

Mr Duncan went on to accuse Christians of double standards and said they were in danger of sounding homophobic for basing their opposition to the regulations on homosexual relationships while saying nothing about heterosexual relationships outside of marriage. He concluded by saying that the regulations were an opportunity for Christians to demonstrate the love and grace of Christ. Read more