A REVEREND from Penn has hit out at the government's plans to legalise gay marriage, which he said is sinful and against the word of God.
Peter Simpson, 58, of Penn Free Methodist Church said it is not within the government's power to change God's institution.
In 2005 civil partnerships were introduced and now the government wants homosexual couples to legally be allowed to make vows and say they are married.
Rev. Simpson said Christians across the country are shocked by the plans and at the root of it is the rejection of the Christian faith.
He said: "Marriage is God's institution and man cannot change it, and the government is trying to change it simply because of fashion.
"We are in the Queen's Jubilee Year and she promised at the coronation with the bible in her hand to maintain the laws of God and parliament is under the Queen. We have a Christian constitution and this is the government saying we don't want a Christian constitution."
Rev. Simpson said the bible teaches in many places that it is sinful to be homosexual.
He said all people- both homosexuals and heterosexuals are sinful.
He said: "We are all born with sinful natures and we have to deal with that. We are not saying that homosexuals are more sinful than any one else."
He said if one of his family told him he was gay he would urge them to turn from sin and to seek forgiveness.
And Rev. Simpson said he totally rejects the idea that it is "an inherited position" and he would argue it is a lifestyle choice.
He said: "The bible would not say it is wrong if people couldn't help it."
He added: "God made us male and female. It is clear from plain observation a human body is not designed for homosexual activity. I think the evidence is pretty plain. It is contrary to God's created order."
And he said there is little difference between civil partnership and marriage, and civil partnerships are equally sinful in God's eyes.
Rev. Simpson said: "It is not being unkind to point out sin. If a member of my family was a thief I would be very concerned for them and say you have to stop stealing.
"The Christians who hold the bible's position on this have far more compassion for homosexuals than those who says it is alright- carry on."
He added: "I don't want to be accused of being homophobic. It is simply out of concern for people's souls- we want to point them to the truth of the bible."
Andy Wasley, from gay rights charity Stonewall, said: "Reverend Simpson is entitled to his view - but we live in a free country."
