U.K. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer came under fire for attending House for All The Nations church in north London on Good Friday, where senior pastor Agu Irukwu has opposed gay rights.
Starmer posted a message online about the visit, praising the church for its efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, and later took the video post down.
“I recently visited @JesusHouseUK to hear about their crucial work in the community. Churches across the country have played such a vital role in the fight against the virus. I hope everyone has a good, restful and safe Easter weekend.”
Starmer later apologized on Twitter for attending the church.
“I completely disagree with Jesus House’s beliefs on LGBT+ rights, which I was not aware of before my visit. I apologize for the hurt my visit caused and have taken down the video. It was a mistake and I accept that.”
Irukwu is one of over 250 ministers, who wrote a letter to the Daily Telegraph about the “Equality Act” or Sexual Orientation Regulations in 2006, reprimanding the then-Labour Party for promoting “Christianophobia.” Additionally, it would force “Christians in churches, businesses, charities and informal associations to accept and even promote the idea that homosexuality is equal to heterosexuality.”
Prince Charles visited Jesus House church to see a vaccine pop-up clinic on March 9 and was asked to apologize for his visit. Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, which calls for the abolition of the monarchy, told Newsweek: “Prince Charles needs to be clear whether he wants to only be the representative of all faiths or whether he wants to be the representative of all people.”
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—By CNJ Staff