The Charity Commission is assessing whether to intervene after a newly registered Christian charity was accused of promoting homophobia on its website.
A video on the Potters House Christian Fellowship UK Uxbridge Church website page claims people can be “set free” through their faith from addiction, homosexuality and “sexual immortality”.
The National Secular Society (NSS) raised concerns with the regulator about the video, which features an unidentified pastor saying: “You name it, Jesus will heal it.”
In another video posted on YouTube five years ago, the church’s former pastor Dwayne Lopez said: “When it comes to homosexuality, it’s unjustifiable.”
He also said accepting homosexuality means “you have to say paedophilia is right, you have to say being racist is right, you have to say bestiality is right”.
The former pastor added that if homosexual people put their faith in Jesus “to change you”, he will “give you a new heart” and “forgive you”.
While Lopez is still listed on the charity’s website, Potters House Church Uxbridge confirmed to Civil Society that he is no longer its pastor.
A spokesperson said new social media accounts including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok have been created and previous posts will be removed from the website.
The commission said in a statement: “We have received a complaint about video content linked to Potters House Christian Fellowship UK Uxbridge Church and are assessing information available to us to determine any next steps.”
A spokesperson said the commission received a complaint yesterday and is in the early stages of its assessment. No conclusions have been drawn at this point.
NSS calls for ‘decisive action’
The NSS has raised concerns about homophobic material linked to other Christian charities in recent months.
In April, the commission sent advice and guidance to C&S Akobi Olorun Restoration Ministry UK after NSS raised concerns about a 2023 social media post by its chair.
On the latest concerns raised, NSS spokesperson Alejandro Sanchez said: “Contrary to the assertions of Potters House Uxbridge, homosexuality is not a disease to be cured.
“Charities have a legal obligation to act for the public benefit; spouting vicious homophobia is incompatible with that obligation.
“The Charity Commission must now take decisive action. ‘Advice and guidance’ will not suffice.”
Related articles
