LGBTI community: Let's talk about religion

The response was prompted by a social media storm on Monday after entertainment star, Somizi Mhlongo walked out of a sermon at the Grace Bible Church in Soweto.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills delivered a guest sermon at the church comparing gay relationships to that of animals, saying it is not natural.

Chairperson of the Pretoria Pride, Bruce Walker, says even though the Grace Bible Church responded saying the sermon does not amount to hate speech, the church should apologise.

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"An apology goes a long way and it is definitely a start. It will also be a move in the right direction," Walker says.

He added that fighting with people is not the way to go and that members of the LGBTI community and church leaders should get together and talk about the issue.

Walker also says that churches should have a clear policy when it comes to issues pertaining to same sex relationships.

"Churches should be open and say listen, we do not allow gay members to join our church," Walker says.

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He also concedes that it is going to take a long time for churches and members of the LGBTI community to reach common ground.

"Religion will always be a touchy subject and it is up to each individual to interpret the Word of God. On the same note you can't change someone's perception. A perception that has been drummed into a person from an early age," Walker says.

While most churches don't have a clear policy on members who are in same-sex relationships, Walker says it is time to talk and acknowledge that we are all created by God.

"This world will be a million times better if we engaged and helped each other, instead of pushing each other down," Walker said.