Update 2 : Anger over 'gay conversion' claim - protest called off
Updated 5.15 p.m. and 9 p.m.
A claim by a pastor of the Evangelical Church in Malta that the Lord had 'converted' three men out of their homosexuality has angered the local gay community and many others.
Gordon John Manche earlier today posted an event on facebook called "Gay no more- Made new by the power of Christ" to encourage young people to attend a "spiritual gathering" where three formerly gay youths would speak about their conversion out of homosexuality.
Hundreds of comments appeared on the site protesting against Manche's ideas. The post was later removed.
A large number of those who posted comments said they would protest tomorrow outside the Saphire Suite in Zebbug where Mr Manche said he would hold the event.
The protest organisers complained that Mr Manche' had said that homosexuality was a perversion and a sin. They insisted that his comments were hurtful and constituted hate.
The protest was called off in the evening, with the organisers saying on facebook that the police had warned them that they had not been granted permits and anybody showing up for the protest would be booked.
YOUTH COUNCIL CONDEMNATION
The National Youth Council in a statement said it condemns the event organized by Gordon-John Manche,which indicated that members of the LGBTQ community could somehow be 'healed' from their sexual orientation.
"KNZ recognizes the challenges members of the LGBTQ community face on a daily basis, and believes
that implying that they can or should change their sexual orientation to lead a moral life contributes to the spread of homophobia and an 'us and them' mentality."
The council said that tolerance was one of the fundamental pillars of democracy and it urged the authorities, whether governmental, ecclesiastical or otherwise; to further promote respect for minority rights.
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Mr reader89 5
May 8th 2011, 19:51
shame shame shame on a country which calls itself democratic. and than we complain of an ever increasing suicide rate.
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 7th 2011, 23:33
@ Ms. Maria Vassallo (today 12:25) Quoting your usual deeply insightful self: 'Now they stand a chance to marry and have their own children. Congratulations!'. Now, you may live under a stone but I don't. What I see around me - and that's before addressing the divorce issue - I do not see much worth congratulating. You should get out more dear. Indeed I would go as far as to say that homosexuals are god's chosen people. God was wise enough to ensure that homosexuals are a minority. Meaning that there is no likelihood that population growth is threatened. In any case, homosexuals DO sire children. In Malta in particular, homosexuals still get married and sire children (I could quote an endless list as a 'practising' homosexual who is out there on the streets taking the temperature of where society is going; in other words I do not live under a stone). This dire situation comes about exactly because of Church/societal opprobrium which forces some into jackets that don't fit. Some of course go to a Mr. Manche hoping to be 'cured'. Big mistake! In a small state like Malta anyone who sidesteps the mainstream religion and set up their own 'evangelising' one is suspect at least. A young homosexuals can indeed be in great conflict torn between what is natural to him/her and very likely, a very religious upbringing. 'Very religious' is pivotal in this debate. He could rebel and pay the price. He could suffer in silence and might even contemplate entering a Holy Order (I have a list of these too). He could seek comfort from priestly counselling but the nature of the beast is such that a well-meaning priest is quite restrained in what he can offer. Alternatively, a young man can be referred to a professional counsellor/psychiatrist/psychologist. Costly and long-winded but works if the young man in question is willing to co-operate. What he must NOT do is approach a dabbler in evangelism who might have his own sinister agenda in any case. A confused, guilt-ridden young homosexual is very vulnerable. The last thing he needs is someone playing mind-games with him. If he gets up on a stage and publicly, and joyously, declares that he is 'cured', to much applause - this is just an indication of his previous turmoil. In comparison, anything feels great and liberating. But the reality?! No young man, there is nothing wrong with being homosexual. Those who would wish you married with kid are deluding themselves too and are drawing you too into their delusional musings. If nothing else, they are patronising you - and me as it happens - which I will never tolerate. I know too much to be grateful for crumbs from some tuppenny 'holier-than-thou' - and it's stuff that I did not glean by thumbing through a two-thousand year old script.
Mr Ben Cassar
May 9th 2011, 14:00
the oldest lie in satans trickery mate...its not wrong doin this, its ok to do that, bla bla bla....what you really need to do is aknowledg that we are all siners and need a saviour!
Ms Manquareiel de Caveden
May 9th 2011, 15:10
Oooh! Hell fire and brimstone! Aren't we scaaaaaaared!
Mr jon lukas woodenman
May 7th 2011, 22:08
: am i readin' this well ... what' goin' on ..... Malta POLICE booking people fr peaceful democratic protest ? clergy sayin' they converted a gay person into WHAT ?? NON GAY ?? what drugs is this pastor on (albeit not curia motivated) ?? is this happenin' with Gonzi condolence ?? if not ... the people have a human basic right of peaceful protest ......
WHAT's GOIN' ?? HIGH TIME for a true MALTA ASCENSION
THE WORDS are STILL .... L O V E & FREEDOM
jon lukas woodenman
Ms Manquareiel de Caveden
May 9th 2011, 01:40
Is that what your crystal ball told you?
Ms D Galea
May 7th 2011, 20:11
We are fast approaching the ridiculous stage where if one is not divorced, atheist or gay, one must have something wrong with him/her..
Mr Matthew Grima
May 10th 2011, 13:42
Oh please, grow up. Do you have a perfect family? Or should I say, does your family act perfect?
Is anyone saying that if you're not gay, atheist or divorced, you're not normal? NO! But you on the other hand are saying otherwise.
People who think with their own brain and not repeating from a 2000 year old selection of story books, say that it's ok to be any one of those 3 stuff, if not all of them, because it's your life and no one else's. Let others live the way they want to unless it is effecting you directly.
Ms Maria Vassallo
May 7th 2011, 12:25
What is wrong becoming a heterosexual?
Now they stand a chance to marry and have their own children.
Congratulations!
Mr M Vella***
May 7th 2011, 18:13
You don't become a heterosexual,you are born one :-#
Ms Y. Vella
May 8th 2011, 15:03
The question isn't "what is wrong in becoming a heterosexual?"
The question is: "what's wrong in being a homosexual?"
And I agree with Mr M Vella, you don't become a heterosexual (or homosexual), you're born one.
Charles Sammut
May 7th 2011, 08:22
"The protest was called in the evening, with the organisers saying on facebook that the police had warned them that they had not been granted permits and anybody showing up for the protest would be booked."
The above worries me a lot more than what some fundamentalist homophobe blabbers. Why shouldn't people have the right to peaceful protest? As long as there is no intention to break the law, I just cannot understand this attitude from the police. Definitely needs looking into. They must be applying (or misapplying) some archaic law.
Mr M Borg
May 7th 2011, 17:28
Everyone has to apply for a permit where before staging some sort of protest march .
Why should the Gays be special?
Mariella Caruana
May 8th 2011, 10:39
Maltese law states that a public gathering of more than 8 people is unlawful, unless a permit is duly submitted
Ms Manquareiel de Caveden
May 9th 2011, 01:42
Does that mean that a group of say 9 friends that decide to stand at a particular point in public property is unlawful?
Mr Pierre Portelli
May 7th 2011, 07:28
Individuals are free to go or not to these sessions right? Any going can't be too "gay" about their lifestyle right? So what is being suggested make these sessions illegal, picket the fellowship not to allow individuals wanting to attend the sessions to do so? Now that sounds really democratic & respectful of an individual's basic human right to one's personal pursuit of happiness :(
Ms Manquareiel de Caveden
May 9th 2011, 01:43
How do you expect them to be happy if they believe someone preying on their emotions by telling them they need to be cured?
Mrs C. Weitze
May 7th 2011, 00:42
Being a member of the Evangelical Church of Germany I have never heard of such utter rubbish before! This is not Martin Luther's teaching, but seems to be some sick joke.
What I do remember clearly though is that during my preparation classes for the church confirmation, some 30 years ago, we had a couple of gay youths attending the lessons. In no way did any of our priests try to "convert these guys out of their homosexuality" nor were they in any way discriminated for their feelings.
On the contrary, they were reassured that they are unconditionally accepted and loved for who they are!
Mr Ben Cassar
May 7th 2011, 10:13
one must ask the credibility of the church you attended than Mrs. Witze!!!
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
We do not judge the word of god does, but to have two youth gays attending the church and not telling them that their practice is leading them to damnation is a little deceiving is-int it!!!
Mr Mark Anthony Mifsud
May 7th 2011, 12:16
I’m not an authority on Martin Luther, but I suspect that, like most of his contemporary religious thinkers, he did not think very highly of homosexuality. I think he actually referred to it as a “monstrous depravity”, in Volume 3 of his Works.
Ms D Galea
May 6th 2011, 23:31
At least , Mr Manche tries to "cure" them.The leader of a local religious group would rather have them stoned for the "criminal" offense (his words) for being gay.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 7th 2011, 18:05
Both are wrong Ms D Galea. Trying to "cure" is an insult as you are stating that they are sick, which they're not.
Mr John Camillleri
May 6th 2011, 23:22
Which minority is hurt, the gays or the evangelicals? Does not everyone have equal rights of expression and belief? Moreover, I think the Bible is clear: Hate sin but love the sinner. Homosexual acts are indicated in the Bible as sinful. Whoever does not believe in the Bible or in God, just ignore. So many are doing this, so why bother? One thing is sure: whoever experiences the love of God will abandon sin which is the source of so much trouble and unhappiness.
Mr Ben Cassar
May 7th 2011, 10:17
Amen Mr Camilleri, AMEN :)
Victor Pulis
May 6th 2011, 21:54
The same God who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah also ordered the stoning of adulterers. Seen any stoned adulterers lately?
Mr Mark Anthony Mifsud
May 6th 2011, 21:48
Frankly, I am shocked and dismayed by the intolerance displayed by the National Youth Council towards this religious minority. Evangelicals have a right to their beliefs, as have Muslims, Jews... and Roman Catholics. Generally speaking, they also have a right to express these beliefs. If Evangelicals (or anyone else) choose to describe homosexuality in terms of sin and immorality, it is their affair.
The National Youth Council should not be imposing censorship, but it is certainly free to disagree and may even have a good laugh at the Evangelicals' expense. However, I doubt that the Evangelical position poses a threat to the LBGTQ community. (By the way, I must be out of touch... What’s the Q stand for?)
Mr Edward Caruana Galizia
May 6th 2011, 23:16
They can practice their beliefs as much as they like. But they are also a threat. They are a threat to the well-being on all those gay teenagers who are struggling with their sexuality and who still feel that they need to go to any lengths to change it. These vulnerable boys and girls will end up with more problems then before. These men who say they are no longer gay are either lying or were never gay to begin with.
Raymond Sacco
May 6th 2011, 20:11
all the fuss is all this guy wanted! some advertisement for him and his reilgion eh! i guess burning the koran would have been too much, so he turned on gays!!!!!!!
Ms Rhonda Balzan Bastow
May 7th 2011, 05:06
God made people as they are. It is very presumptous to imagine we know what that God wants us to turn on his own creation.
CIVIL RIGHTS IN MALTA NOW
Charles Sammut
May 6th 2011, 19:53
I know a lot of people who are "converting" from being Christian to becoming Agnostic or Atheist. Personally I consider these 'conversions' to be 'cures'.
Mr Geoff Gibson
May 7th 2011, 15:14
Well said.
Mrs C Zammit
May 18th 2011, 23:03
Exactly - so how do you explain all the fuss being made by the gay community?
Charlie Borg
May 6th 2011, 18:27
Well, you know what they say ... the more homophobic a person is ... the more he or she has skeletons in his or her cupboard. I pity people like Manche' and his adherants. Truly pathetic.
A.f Ellul
May 6th 2011, 17:47
God has destroyed Sodoma and Comorra,Need to read the bible and understand what is writen in the bible.God in those days is the same GOD in today.God is always present.
Mr Raphael Vassallo
May 6th 2011, 18:47
But God did not destroy the Camorra. It's still going strong, at least in Naples. Please get your facts right.
Mr Zachary Stewart
May 6th 2011, 18:51
The civil rights of real people on this earth should take precedence over the hurt feelings of your imaginary friends.
Ms G Portelli
May 6th 2011, 19:13
Lev 7:26-27 and Lev 17:10-forbids the eating of blood and insists that this is an abomination. The same could be said about the eating of rabbit meat. That would have put paid to the Maltese national dish and Maltese butchers' license to sell 'mazzit'. Further more in Lev 21:18-23 the God of the Old Testament has a very politically incorrect view on disability and takes great exception to the disabled becoming priests in fact he seems unable to stomach physical imperfections even in animal sacrifices. Some things do change you see and I thank my God that they do!
Ms Emma Xerri
May 6th 2011, 22:43
Eating cute bunny rabbits and the blood of animals (the life force) are disgusting and I agree with Leviticus about this. Animals who chew the cud and have cloven hooves are the only ones that were allowed to be eaten by the Israelites, but personally, I can do without eating meats of any kind.
As to the gays and adulterers, this prohibition had relevant social reasons back then and was punishable by death (population was low so everyone needed to reporduce and there was no DNA testing so men could not be sure if they were the fathers of their offsprings, therefore both parties of the offending couple were stoned to death. It is also pertinent to note that the ancient Hebrews amended this punishment very early on and the couple was usually just 'shamed' within their community.
Mr Manuel Mangani
May 7th 2011, 01:03
@Raphael Vassallo:
Roberto Saviano is to blame for the confusion...
Mr mark johnson
May 7th 2011, 08:23
Perhaps he meant Sadam and Muammar.
Mr Hubert Paul Farrugia
May 6th 2011, 17:30
Even worse news for minorities.... This has to stop! In the UK and other countries, this would amount to hate speech. I coungratulate KNZ for their comments. Well done!
Mr J Galea
May 6th 2011, 16:52
Beware christian believers. This pastor claims that your god the lord talked to him directly during a session prayer and including other prophetic words presumably from heavenly angels. It's time to brace yourselves folks for more earthquake tremors.
Look at this link on the 10th paragraph.
http://www.riveroflovemalta.org/modules/publisher/item.php?itemid=20
Mr M Vella***
May 6th 2011, 19:02
when one pray to God it's ok, but when God speaks to you, than , there is a problem:-! This guy needs help!
Ms Colleen Newell
May 6th 2011, 16:23
Just another tidbit, my husband and myself both have close relatives in our families who could be considered 'of a different sexual orientation'. Both of these nice people are well respected in their very public and successful careers. They are both also loved dearly for the genuine persons they are, contributing much to society. In fact, one even tried a change in lifestyle which ended in dissolution. We are all born with an inherant gene which predisposes us to be what we are. Some folks are certainly more accepting and caring for all humankind. Paci u sliem dejjem to all.
Ms Samantha Debono
May 6th 2011, 15:46
Homosexuality = perversion and sin???? One word Mr. Manche : HILARIOUS.
Mr Michael Buhagiar
May 6th 2011, 18:30
Just like your words madame. Cant you possibly accept the truth? or is it so progressive today to say that black is white?
Mr Red Forman
May 6th 2011, 19:22
We judge a colour by an aesthetic standard. It's not an opinion, it's a matter of fact. The colour white won't take personal offence by calling it black, just as black won't take offense by calling it white.
On the other hand, sexual orientation is something personal to each and everyone of us, and no one can judge one another, only himself. Moreover, judging by a "spiritual" compass certainly won't improve things. If your imaginary friend says homosexuality is wrong, then make sure you yourself aren't attracted to your own gender, but do not judge others who do out of nature - that's how they were born. Wasn't the Jesus you love so much who said "Do not judge"? Right, then don't.
Ms Maria Vella
May 6th 2011, 15:23
I think this is getting a bit too far now
Ms jeneba caruana
May 6th 2011, 15:09
Proud to be with the protestors tomorrow!!
Ms M Mifsud
May 6th 2011, 15:00
Pathetic,... as if prayer and faith have anything to do with the sexual orientation one is born with.
Mr Alfred Hili
May 6th 2011, 15:35
Whatever sexual orientation one is born with, one can try to be holy and pure, and to keep clear of sexual sins.
" Steer clear of sexual immorality as no other sin affects the body as this one does".
Paul: 1 Corinthians : 6 line 18
Ms M Mifsud
May 6th 2011, 17:16
If, according to Gordon John Manche, three formerly gay youths were "converted out of homosexuality".... How was this proven? Were the three youths sent on a "date" with a lady and tested their newly found heterosexuality? On the other hand, if it's suppression we are talking about, how long will it last? Until a few months or even days after they get married, thus wrecking some poor woman's (and maybe kids') life? We are talking about genetic make-up and, in my humble opinion, that cannot be altered. Healthy sexuality (of any orientation) is an essential part of us and I don't see how religion can step in and try to "fix what's wrong".
Mr F J Brincat
May 7th 2011, 12:02
Alfred Hili.
"Whatever sexual orientation one is born with, one can try to be holy and pure, and to keep clear of sexual sins."
So according to you anyone that does not share your sexual orientation is unholy and impure?
Mr Alfred Hili
May 6th 2011, 14:43
I believe all religious leaders have the right to define what is immoral and impure according to them .
"For God has not called us to be dirty minded and full of lust but to be holy and clean".
Paul; Thessalonians 1 : 4-7
Mr Zachary Stewart
May 6th 2011, 16:25
They do have that right Alfred, and similarly, I have the right to tell them that they're wrong. That is how free speech works.
Ms Lara Pace
May 6th 2011, 17:28
Leaders have the right to define what goes against the public policy and public morality of a state... and general they should do so in a secular way always protecting and promoting minority rights. quoting the bible in a secular matter is not logical argument. Leave to God to do his job... but let the state promote minority rights
Mr Vincent Cassar
May 6th 2011, 17:58
With all due respect...how can you call this guy a religious leader? Mela issa kull minn jivvinta xi setta jissejjah religious leader? Come on...let's be serious for once. Years and years of research in psychology states clearly that it is unethical to push conversion therapy....simply because it does not work! You respect a person for what he/she is (i.e. a person with all his/her good and bad) and not for being gay, homosexual or whatever! How ridiculous can people with blind faith become!
Mr Michael Buhagiar
May 6th 2011, 18:34
Lara pace the state must be administered by the majorities and not by tiny minorities. Allahares qatt isehh dak li tixtieq int. Nigu tajjeb.
Mr F J Brincat
May 7th 2011, 12:04
"I believe all religious leaders have the right to define what is immoral and impure according to them"
Exactly according to them - their opinion. Just theirs.
Ms Marthese Vella
May 6th 2011, 14:39
Even worse than Norman Lowell. This is pure hate speech, apart from the lack of scientific knowledge.
Mr C Agius
May 6th 2011, 14:26
I think the best way to deal with people such as Mr Manche is for us gay people to attend this ‘spiritual gathering’ and check for ourselves if they were truly converted. Or we can find out that these are probably some poor guys with less than average looks (honestly, who goes to an evangelical church to get converted) who couldn’t get laid and just gave up altogether.
We can take some of our notoriously good looking girl friends for second opinion.
Mr charles caruana
May 6th 2011, 13:49
So, saying that a heterosexual married or unmarried person who chooses to practice sex outside marriage is committing a sin is not hate speech, while saying that a person who chooses to practice homosexual sex has become hate speech. Who says? Both are basic teaching of Catholic morality, and denigrating and ridiculing the Church, attacking and accusing it of all sorts of corruption is not hate speech, is it? Homosexuals and their lobbyist have the right to think and say publicly that homosexual sex is no sin, but I will never allow them to deprive me of my right to think and publicly speak otherwise. Have these people heard of the fundamental right to religious freedom and expression. Some politically correct bigots preach freedom of speech when it suits them, but they label it hate speech when it doesn't it.
Ramon Casha
May 6th 2011, 13:16
Looks like the evangelical virus is spreading in Malta.
The evangelicals have made several such claims in the past. In the evangelical mindset, homosexuality equals gay sex, so if a person refrains from sex, that person is "healed", and if a gay person moves in with someone of the opposite sex, that's clinching proof.
The flaw in this mindset is shown by the fact that some of the most prominent "ex-gay" leaders were revealed to be still attending gay bars and having gay sexual encounters incognito. For more information search for "John Paulk" and "Michael Johnston" amongst others.
The truth is that these ministries have never changed the sexual orientation of a single person anywhere, The UK ex-gay ministry Courage, a branch of the Exodus movement, closed its doors permanently in 2001 after admitting it had not succeeded in "changing" a single person since its inception.
Unfortunately, the efforts of such ministries have driven countless young people to suicide abroad - something we should try to avoid in Malta.
Abigail Agius
May 6th 2011, 13:01
Gordon Manche is not the church. The group he's leading is Christian not Catholic. They're teaching us from the same Bible but interpreted differently. Being Gay as a human is accepted but sex is a sin which God does not accept - not only between gays but also between a man and a woman before marraige. If you read and really understand the Bible well you'll find out that Gordon Manche might be actually right. It's all about ones faith and what to believe in!!
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 6th 2011, 12:54
To anyone who believes they can discard their homosexuality - or their BISEXUALITY for that matter, as indeed their troublesome HETEROSEXUALITY - through Christ, just like that, is in for a nasty surprise. Whatever we are is god's work so why tamper with it. Of course a young budding homosexual, particularly from a rather too religious family, is going to have conflict and can easily fall into the trap of deluding him/herself into a cure. All pseudo of course, all denial. What is the point of elimating a sexual orientation when any sexual orientation is perfectly normal and acceptable. Sexuality needs to be understood and be seen as a force for good and evil. Paedophilia needs to be understood too but is unacceptable because it involves children who are not emotionally ready for sexual expression. Sexual activity is all-engrossing and children can get carried along with it with pleasure, promises, gifts and other intrigues. All this when they should be enjoying their 'innocence' in the open air and studying. Sexual abuse deprives them of all this and potentially, screws them up for life. All so that an ignorant adult can his have his/her capricious ways. And it matters not whether the abuser is a relative or a priest. Although of course a priest's 'misbehaviour' is much more serious because he is accountable to his flock who look up to him for salvation. I could write books on this but I'll stop here.
There is nothing wrong with homosexuality. Especially when one considers the mess many heterosexuals make of THEIR lives. Do not scapegoat homosexuality. It won't work and will backfire something terrible. What do you want? proof?
Sorry Manche, back to the drawing-board. Whoever misled you owes you an apology.
A final remark, but important. Homosexuality is not a separate nexus, a black and white issue. Human sexuality works on a continuum meaning that nobody is 100% anything. So the person/s who took Mr. Manche under his/their wing, where are they going to start to pick those who need 'conversion'. It only takes someone with a vast experience of life - not one lived through books and bibles and urban myths - to tell you how futile this exercise would be. I can think of hundreds (and there are god only knows how many tens of thousand) in Malta alone. Respectable married people with children, doing all sorts of 'manly' jobs like policing - you didn't think all queers were hairdressers did you dear?! - do all these need conversion? Would they want it?
Mr john vella
May 6th 2011, 12:34
Sir, I do not belong to Mr. Manche church, yet as a fellow Christian I take my hat off to this man. I have seen his little church in Malta stand up to be counted on delicate issues, and say it how it is without corners.
Is this the freedom of expression that those in favor of divorce recognize? They can say all that they want and include allegations, if someone dare to disagree they "will protest". QEGHDIN SEW!
Ms C. Dimech
May 6th 2011, 13:20
protesting IS a form of freedom of expression and please, do not mix lettuce with flatulance, divorce has nothing to do with this issue except that the freedom to divorce is ALSO a form of freedom of expression.
Michael Flaherty
May 6th 2011, 14:33
Sir, you could not be more wrong. What this church/sect/gathering is doing is outside of the limits of freedom of speech. The divorce people are not clamouring/implying in any way that anyone who does not agree is inferior; everyone is entitled to their opinion, and a referendum will solve the issue in a perfectly democratic way.
By manner of his deed, he basically stated that
a) homosexuality is inferior to heterosexuality (thus infringing on the right to equality)
b) is a personal choice, as if it were an optional vice like smoking (thus demeaning their orientation)
c) is an abomination in the eyes of god (thus incorrectly interpreting the holy writ, as well as assuming authority over homosexuals)
At least the first two of these constitute a very solid base for hate crime, on an equal footing with a person insulting another over his skin colour. So what if he does good things from time to time? Some of the world's greatest criminals are incredible philanthropists, yet this doesn't excuse their crimes, does it?
Sir, freedom of expression is only applicable as long as it does not infringe on another person's rights. Also, do you think that "Qeghdin Sew" is a mature manner that an adult should use in a comment on a national newspaper?
David Caruana
May 6th 2011, 14:48
Prosit John Vella, kompli itfa' l-gebel fuq saqajk u fuq saqajn il-knisja!
I agree with Mr.Alfred Dimech - Gordon Manche does NOT make part of the Roman Catholic church, but John Vella's comment puts everything back in the right perspective
Mr Alfred Dimech
May 6th 2011, 12:34
While I have lost a lot of love for the Roman Catholic church due to the civil divorce issue, it is worth highlighting that Gordon John Manche is a pastor of the Evangelical Church which are a very small minority in Malta, not the Roman Catholic church.
While I believe that many Roman Catholic priests share the similar beliefs, for now let's give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that the RC church has nothing to do with this.
Chris Farrugia
May 6th 2011, 11:59
Gordon Manche should design a conversion for paedophile priests to normal priests. I'm sure the power of Christ was low on battery when he saw these things happening.
Mr Jelle Houtsma
May 6th 2011, 11:56
More serious: I love Malta and the Maltese People. I visit Malta a lot and enjoy every stay. but this kind of behavior towards Maltese people (yes, gay Maltese man and women are also Maltese people) will always anger me. The underlying idea of conversion from gay to straight is based on the idea that 'being sexually straight' is superior to being sexually gay, lesbian or bisexual. I don't care if the Church promotes the idea of inequality and / or superiority (since freedom of religion is important for me), but from politicians i expect a clear stand on this matter based on International agreements and laws. Equality is a basic international human right; In Malta as well in the rest of the world.
Ms B Cassar
May 6th 2011, 12:33
You're right but it seems that rights here in malta are defended by the authorities only when those of illegal immigrants are broken. As regards to the other maltese people which include many gay persons, it doesn't matter how much of their rights are broken. That is not important for the authorities. I'm saying this not out of the usual argument against illegal immigrants etc but because I feel that the authorities do not care of the maltese as much as they care of foreigners and indeed maltese people's rights are treated everytime like rubbish. It has to be an illegal immigrant for example to trigger the condemnation of all the authorities. That makes news, but what happens to the maltese does not touch nobody's heart.
Byron Camilleri
May 6th 2011, 11:49
Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=209119375775135
Hamish Schembri
May 6th 2011, 11:44
Can't believe that such people still exist. Don't they know that it is all about genetics and nothing to do with the spiritual aspect.
Riley Brookes
Mar 2nd, 19:45
Do your research; genetics has been disproven in this area.
Timmy Farrugia
May 6th 2011, 11:27
One cannot spread hatred towards homosexuals. i thought we are living in 2011 not 1011!!!
David Caruana
May 6th 2011, 11:23
Mr.Manche' should be charged in the same way as norman Lowell was, on the grounds of hate speech
Mr Zachary Stewart
May 6th 2011, 16:32
I disagree. The public defaming that he is receiving now, thanks to his own misguided bigotry, is punishment enough. Free expression is a two-way street.
Ms B Cassar
May 6th 2011, 11:15
Again il-knisja f'malta (kull tip) tipporva tkompli turi kemm hi ghal gol hajt. F'kollox trid tindahal. Gay jew le dak itwieled go fik. Qisna qed nghid ragel minn iswed gibtu abjad, ara jistax ikun. Ibqghu sejrin hekk.
Mr Ben Cassar
May 6th 2011, 20:42
Micheal Jakson did..,. if it was possible for him, how much more possible for God the all mighty the creator!!!???