‘Institutional Church scene’ in Northern Ireland has more questions to answer than ‘gay scene’

STELLA Wilson (Write Back, July 16), speaking of ‘the gay scene’, warns that ‘hook-ups’ and ‘clubs’ have not delivered freedom and love.

Gay men have often experienced forms of abuse that render them sensitive to the pain of others. Gay men quietly serve others across our community, treating people they meet with dignity and respect.

Stella needs to reflect on the ‘institutional Church scene’, where child sex abuse and cover-up of child sex abuse has happened.

Upper middle class men, in past times, possibly saw the Church as an easy career option. Possible perks included a pension, free luxury housing, heating, a transport allowance and a relatively low workload. Free time allowed space to develop business interests or hobbies.

Is the ‘institutional Church scene’ one of the few hotbeds of intolerance left, where hard men and hit men can bully others relatively unchecked?

Is ‘the institutional Church scene’ one of the few places left where you can devour other people and leave them in tears with little fear of sanction?

‘Gay scene’ night club staff would not tolerate any clients being interrogated about marital infidelity or being verbally abused about being unmarried.

Many people have escaped from ‘the institutional Church scene’ to enjoy a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Billy Sunday said: “Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.”

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