Anglican Mainstream

Gay and lesbian Christians have criticised secularists planning to protest during the pope's visit to Britain for their "unhelpful and counterproductive" tactics.

 

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) said that it wanted papal critics – who are voicing their opposition to this month's state visit for a number of reasons, including the Vatican's rejection of equal rights for homosexuals – to "disagree with respect".

 

It said that it would hold a prayer vigil, not a protest, so the pope could see the faces of those he spoke against, and become aware that his "homophobic comments affect real people".

 

It said: "The Protest the Pope coalition of secularist groups has opposed the trip and promised noisy protests, but progressive Christians believe that this is unhelpful and counterproductive."

 

But its call for restraint went unheeded, with Protest the Pope refusing to change its strategy.