Vatican City: Global Christian Church Leads Against Criminalization of Homosexuality Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby of the Anglican Church, Presbyterian Moderator of the Church of Scotland Rev. Lane Greenfields came out in favor of the LGBTQ community.
All three also suggested that the LGBTQ community should be welcomed into the church. The leadership of the Church clarified its position in a press conference held on the plane while returning to the Vatican after the visit to Africa.
In response to questions about Pope Francis’ comments a few weeks ago that homosexuality is not a crime and that criminalizing it is unjust, he shared his view that gay and lesbian communities should be welcomed into the church.
The Pope said it was unjust to criminalize homosexuality. Parents should not throw their children out of the house for being gay. Gay children are God’s children. God loves and accompanies them – the Pope said. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said LGBTQ rights were high on the Church of England’s agenda.
Same-sex marriages are now being blessed. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized in churches. The Vatican has banned same-sex marriage – Justin Welby said.
