I love this piece of news and thank Maggi and Simon for posting it and making me aware of something I missed.

The Co-Op has decided to ask Christian Voice to bank elsewhere because of its extreme anti homosexual stance.

After a series of times when this organisation has tried to control well meaning people by telling them what is acceptable, who to support and not, its simply brilliant to see a good bank telling them to take their business elsewhere. They have 30 days to move!

Some will talk of religious oppression, some of freedom of speech, in fact the national director, Stephen Green, told the co-op they would lose all their Christian customers if they went head with this. Remember how he threatened Maggi’s centres here!
At least Green does not deny that he is extreme in his anti gay stance. I would agree with the co-op’s charge of homophobia.

In their press statement they talk of biblical values and try to make out that they are being asked to move their account because of their faith. Just a slight bend on the truth when it is clearly their homophobic stance. The Biblical values of love, respect, equality, acceptance, no condemnation obviously have not sunk in with Christian Voice!

I just wish we could see more grace and love from this organisation. Maybe they should listen to (Arch)Bishop John Sentamu, who when asked to comment on the present discussion on homosexuality said:

‘I want to remind everybody that we are not here to pursue issues and agendas … we are here to live and celebrate the good news of God and Jesus.’ After sharing his exasperation of the tone of language being used in the debate, he went on to say; ‘I’m going to get down on my knees and pray that God will clean out our mouths’

Strikes me that is probably good advice for all of us, on all issues.

I agree with Maggi – if you are looking for bank then take your business to the co-op as a show of your support,