For the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, the rise of the radical jihadist group Islamic State (ISIS) can be attributed to the world's acceptance of homosexuality.
In an article in The Independent UK, the 69-year-old religious leader expressed the belief that Muslims are now flocking to join ISIS because they want to escape the "godless civilisation" that highlights immorality such as the gay pride parade.
"(ISIS) is creating a civilisation that is new by comparison to the established one that is godless, secular, and even radical in its secularism," he said.
Kirill said the Western world has turned topsy turvy regarding its views on morality, since it supports things the Bible says are wrong, such as homosexuality and abortion.
"We can have parades for the sexual minorities—that is supported—but a million French Christian protestors defending family values are broken up by police," he said. "Look how they (the West) build the world—an unholy world—but we invite you to build God's world... and they (ISIS supporters) respond to that; it is for this they give their lives."
"If you call non-traditional relationships a sin, as the Bible teaches and you are a priest or pastor, then you risk not only your ability to serve but you may be sent to prison," he added.
Kirill claimed that he can "offer more simply frightening examples of how the godless civilisation is growing," but the sad reality is that ISIS is now converting young people into being extremists because of the world's views on sin.
Because there are some people who want to restore order and uphold religious views, they turn to ISIS, thinking erroneously that the terror group can make things right again.
"You become a fighter for the Caliphate. So what's a Caliphate?" he questioned. "It is a society centred around faith and God where people follow religious laws."
