The recently nominated Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland has defended himself against charges of being anti-gay in an article for the KaleidoScot website for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex people (LGBTI).
The article by Rev David Robertson was a response to a KaleidoScot profile describing him as "one of Scotland's most outspoken anti-LGBTI rights ministers".
After requesting a right of reply, Robertson wrote: "Firstly I do not accept that I am anti-LGBTI rights. Being opposed to redefining marriage does not mean that you are anti-LGBTI." He pointed out that gay rights activist Peter Tatchell was previously opposed to gay marriage.
Robertson condemned homophobia, saying it was "wrong and abhorrent". "To 'fear' people because of their sexuality is irrational and immoral," he wrote. "I think I was the first minister in Scotland to speak out publicly against Putin's persecution of homosexuals." He said that "human beings, without exception, are made in 'the image of God'".
Regarding marriage, he wrote that "the Bible teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, for the purpose of mutual companionship, the good of society and the procreation and upbringing of children. This is the position that Western Society has held and on which our culture has been based on for almost 2000 years. I object to being called homophobic just because I continue to hold to that view. Advocates of 'Queer theory' have long sought the destruction of marriage as an institution that they consider patriarchal and harmful. Ironically I think same sex marriage provides that for them. It is my belief that such a destruction of marriage will be harmful for all people, whatever their sexuality."
He objected to the suggestion that his appointment as Free Church of Scotland Moderator was an attempt to attract disaffected members of the Church of Scotland, which is more liberal on the question of homosexuality, saying: "I don't want people to join the Free Church because they are homophobic. I want them to join us because they believe in Jesus and share our vision to reach all of Scotland with the Gospel. If they come to us expecting continual attacks on homosexuals they will be disappointed."
Robertson added: "I have always welcomed homosexual people into my church on the same basis I welcome heterosexual people. I believe that all of us, without exception (including myself) are broken, bruised and sinful people who need the new life and forgiveness offered by Jesus Christ."
He concluded: "Please let's seek to understand and not demonise one another."
