Methodist college lecturer sacked for claim that homosexuality is taking root in Church
A CHRISTIAN theology lecturer has been sacked and claims he was threatened with a counter-terrorism referral by a college after tweeting that “homosexuality is invading the Church”.
Dr Aaron Edwards, 37, a father of five, was dismissed last week for misconduct by Cliff College, a Methodist college in Derbyshire, after he allegedly brought the college “into disrepute” on social media, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt.
He was told by the college that he could be reported to Prevent, the Government’s counter-extremism pro- gramme and asked how he would pray for same-sex attracted students who approached him, according to college disciplinary hearing minutes.
On Feb 19, writing on Twitter, Dr Edwards posted: “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true. This is a Gospel issue, by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.” It triggered a debate that went viral. Dr Edwards insists, and clarified in subsequent tweets, that the post was not “homophobic” and that it was addressed to evangelicals who agree with his message, but feel they can’t say so for fear of a backlash. He then tweeted: “That is the conservative view. The acceptance of homosexuality as ‘not sinful’ is an invasion upon the Church, doctrinally.”
Cliff College, where Dr Edwards has worked for seven years, was founded in 1883 and describes itself as a global centre for evangelism and missiology.
Dr Edwards, who was suspended during an investigation then sacked, is appealing. He said: “Anyone concerned with academic freedom, Christian freedoms and free speech should be deeply concerned by what happened to me.”
The governing body of the Methodist Church in Britain decided in June 2021 to allow same-sex marriages. But globally it has understood that marriage is a lifelong union of one man, one woman.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This story sets a dark precedent for the Methodist Church and also serves as a warning to the Church of England.”
Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said: “Expressing orthodox Christian beliefs should not be grounds for dismissal from a purportedly Christian organisation.”
The college said: “As internal processes are ongoing, we cannot respond to specific issues. As a Methodist institution, we are committed to being a safe, hospitable place where those with differing convictions are welcome and encouraged to live and learn together as faithful disciples of Christ.”