A pastor and school caretaker in the UK has received death threats, abuse and was forced out of his job after warning Christians not to participate in highly-sexualised LGBTQ pride events.
Keith Waters, pastor of New Connexions Free Church in Ely, told his followers in June that LGBTQ Pride events promote a message that is contrary to Christianity and harmful for children.
Mr Waters’ tweet read: “A reminder that Christians should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Christian faith and morals. They are especially harmful for children.”
According to Premier, a local journalist jumped on the tweet, accusing the 53-year-old pastor of attacking the LGBTQ community. Two days later, Mr Waters was on the front page of the Cambridge Evening News.
Following a series of complaints, a headteacher at the school Mr Waters worked in informed him that he was being investigated for bringing the school “into disrepute”.
The school issued Mr Waters a final warning for breaking the code of conduct and Mr Waters felt he had no choice but to resign.
Speaking to Christian Concern, Mr Waters said: “You don’t have to look very far to Google Pride events and you will come up with photographs of people who are naked. People who are engaged in sexual acts…
“The whole thrust of the tweet was about keeping children safe and protected, but instead I was accused of being a child molester. We had estate agents calling, telling us that they were making appointments to sell the house. People coming around to the house wanting to arrange my funeral.
“I don’t feel I was treated fairly, because I believe the school were taking, what we thought, was the path of least resistance. I could see that I had no choice. They didn’t want me in the school. That was clear.”
With the help of the Christian Legal Centre, Mr Waters is launching legal action against his former employer.