Prison Minister Fired for Preaching "Homophobic" Bible Verses
Reverend Barry Trayhorn, volunteering as a chaplain at a prison for sex offenders, recited verses from Corinthians which include homosexuality in a long list of sins, along with adultery, theft and drunkenness during a service.
According to the October 31st Daily Mail report, "Mr Trayhorn said he wanted to explain to the congregation of inmates - many of whom have committed horrific sex abuse crimes - the Christian message that God will forgive those who repent."
Following the service he was fired for breaching equality laws because the verses criticised homosexuality.
Represented by the Christian Legal Centre, he is now suing the prison for constructive dismissal and will claim compensation. Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said:
“It is astonishing that Rev Barry Trayhorn was forced out of a sex offenders’ prison for mentioning what the Bible says about sexual ethics – during a Christian chapel service – as he spoke of the joy of repentance and forgiveness. Prisoners attend chapel services voluntarily. They shouldn’t be denied an opportunity to hear what God has to say about the way to restoration. Is the Bible given to prisoners now to be censored to remove anything that people may find difficult to hear?”
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