They are placed here to explain the reason for our decision, in accordance with 1 Peter 3:13-17, (English Standard version) which says:- "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." |
Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:24-32, Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:27-28, Mark 7:21-23, and Galatians 5:19-21. All of these Biblical references show clearly that homosexual behaviour is sinful. "Sin" is disobedience to God. It is SERIOUS - more serious than disobeying man's laws, and Exodus 20:14 and Mark 10:6-9, which show that marriage is a lifetime covenant between one man and one woman. Homosexuality is sinful, but it is no more, nor less, sinful than any other sinful behaviour, such as theft or murder. It is not the only sinful behaviour found in society, or even the church, nor is it ever singled out for individual attention in the Scriptures. Just as we would not knowingly assist theft or murder in our home, neither will we knowingly assist homosexual behaviour in our home. This is NOT "homophobia." A phobia is an irrational fear. Firstly, there is no fear, nor hatred, of homosexuals per se. "Hate the sin, but love the sinner" is an oft quoted maxim within Christian circles, and is one by which we always endeavour to live our lives. Jesus, during His time on earth, was unequivocal in His condemnation of sin, but always loved the sinner and showed that love by appealing to them to turn from their sin. We can do no less, but must try to emulate Him.The only fear is the fear of God, who is above all, even Kings and Queens, Governments and Prime Ministers. The fact that some people may not believe in the existence of an Almighty God does not make Him disappear. If, as they believe, God and Judgement do not exist, then they will never know. The only alternative is that He does exist and that they will face His judgement - and the results of that - which will be for eternity Secondly, there is nothing irrational about the belief that homosexual behaviour is wrong. That belief is based, like most of our law, on the teaching of the Bible, and the above references make it abundantly clear that homosexual behaviour is wrong in God's eyes.. From where else comes the knowledge that murder, theft, perjury, etc., are wrong? There is much teaching in the Bible as to what is right and what is wrong, and it is on this teaching that the laws of our society have historically been based. This law departs from that principle. There is no room for hatred within the Christian religion. Jesus said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Luke 6:27) and in Romans 12 Christians are told, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil", "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath," and "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Christians believe in the Bible's teaching that all humans are our 'neighbours', irrespective of their beliefs, lifestyle, behaviour or any other aspect, and that we should love all of our neighbours equally. The Bible also teaches the importance of peace, justice and fairness. We therefore support any work done by the Government to promote such principles. However, these Regulations go beyond these principles and encroach on our freedom of conscience. The Christian ethos is of love and care for one's fellow human being and for all of God's creation, as God, through the Bible, commands. This naturally leads to hospitality. It also leads us to pray for all of our guests, irrespective of whether they are Christians or not. We do not believe in forcing our views and beliefs on anyone, but respect the fact that other people have their own views and beliefs. Similarly, we expect others to respect our views and beliefs and not try to force theirs on us. This is in line with the quote attributed to Voltaire, "I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." We only ask that others also follow this maxim, for to do otherwise is to deny the right of free speech. These Regulations show a total lack of understanding of what religious belief is and how deeply it is held. Over the last two thousand years men and women have died rather than compromise their Christian beliefs. The Covenanters of Scotland were such people - people who were shot, hanged, drowned and murdered in many other horrific ways at the behest of the then Government, during what has become known as "the killing times" of the 17th and 18th centuries, merely for standing by their religious convictions that the head of the Church is Jesus Christ, not a monarch. We are no different today, though no longer subject to the death penalty for holding to our beliefs. Deeply held religious beliefs cannot be changed on a whim, or because a Government makes them, or actions based on them, illegal, or gives a so-called "transition period". It is regrettable that the current Government of the United Kingdom has decided to end the centuries of religious freedom for which so many have fought and died. We will not break the law, but equally we will not knowingly allow, permit or facilitate sinful behaviour, of whatever kind, in our home, as we would be equally guilty before God. Our only option, therefore, is to offer only twin-bedded rooms to everyone. We deeply regret that we have been forced to this decision by this bad law, which we
believe contravenes firstly, God's law and secondly, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, |