Priest says no hellfire for gays

If being gay is enough to keep someone out of Heaven, a Jamaica-born priest says that is not the God he wants to worship.

The Church of England clergyman, who grew up in central Jamaica, believes homosexuality does not separate anyone from God, and has criticised religious leaders who use biblical teachings to condemn people because of their sexuality.

“I don’t want to see that God who is going to lock people out of Heaven,” he told THE STAR.

“As long as you are good to humanity and love your neighbours as yourself, God accepts you as who you are,” he added.

His position contrasts with traditional Christian interpretations of biblical passages such as Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27, which have long been cited in opposition to same-sex sexual relationships. However, he maintains that God’s love extends to everyone.

“God made each of us in His perfect image and He loves us regardless of who we are,” he said.

“Sexuality does not prevent anyone from getting close to God. I am in a church that doesn’t see you because of the rainbow colours, but sees you as an individual who has that ability and love of Jesus Christ to proclaim His good news, to proclaim justice.”

The priest also criticised religious leaders who publicly shame LGBTQ+ individuals, suggesting that some may be struggling privately with their own sexuality.

“If you love people just as God loves you, I don’t think you should be shaming people at all.”

For him, Christianity has been central to his life since childhood. Raised in a religious family, he recalled how his grandmother’s devotion to prayer shaped his faith, describing the church as his “safe spiritual space”. However, despite his involvement in church activities, he said his sexuality remained private while living in Jamaica.

“In Jamaica, there was not this openness. There was nothing open about me. So, if people knew, that was their business. I didn’t wear it on my forehead,” he said. “It was always in the back of your mind, but you didn’t play it out in the public space. It was private.”

He believes the pressure to conform to traditional expectations, particularly marriage, can be difficult for gay people in religious communities.

“I think that is quite sad,” he said.

After attending high school and training as a teacher, he migrated to the UK where he experienced a different church environment. He said the church where he serves holds a monthly Rainbow Eucharist, offering a welcoming worship space for LGBTQ+ individuals.

“In the Church of England, no one is going to ask you why you’re not married, why you’re walking with this person. Nobody asks that,” he said.

Encouraged by the Archbishop of York to enter the priesthood, he initially resisted the calling, pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies before being ordained approximately five years ago.

“I kept on finding all the excuses ... but, when God calls you, you cannot hide,” he said.

“I love to walk in the different communities and sit with the guys who smoke weed. I don’t judge them, because they are created by God just the same,” he said.

Although he acknowledges that Christians hold differing interpretations of scripture, the priest said he respects those who disagree with him.

“I will respect the views of others, but I won’t impose my views on anybody. If you want to accept it, it is up to you,” he said, adding that his sexuality does not diminish his calling or commitment to Christianity.

“I get up, I pray, I preach,” he said.