Desmond Tutu Denounces Use of Religion Against Gays

Once again retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu has place himself as a counterweight to the abundant number of gay hating African bishops within the Anglican Communion. Tutu - as usual - doesn't mince his words and speaks what I believe is in keeping with Christ's gospel message which the modern day Pharisees seek to pervert. Often for their own gain and/or egocentric gratification. Tutu made these comments supporting gays for the opening of a peace summit in Vancouver, British Columbia (one of my favorite cities in the world). Here are some highlights from XtraWest:

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Retired Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu has denounced the use of religion to spread fear of homosexuals and those foreign to us. “Religion has often been used diabolically to encourage all kinds of awfulness — xenophobia and homophobia,” he said.

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He made the comments by video from South Africa Sunday at the opening of the Vancouver Peace Summit: Nobel Laureates in Dialogue. Tutu could not attend the summit in person due to a back injury.
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His comments were made on the day he and the Dalai Lama became the inaugural recipients of the $100,000 Fetzer Prize for Love and Forgiveness. The Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Fetzer Institute, founded by broadcaster John Fetzer to promote the power of love, compassion and forgiveness, conferred the award.

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Tutu’s statement against homophobia comes as the worldwide Anglican Church continues to be divided over the issue of same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay clerics. The first Anglican blessing of a same-sex relationship in an officially approved rite took place in Vancouver.