A local councillor has described gospel tracts posted through letterboxes in Essex as “extreme”, but The Christian Institute says they speak of God’s love.
“What comes after Pride” explains how God opposes people who build up themselves – in contrast to Jesus who humbled himself by dying on the cross.
But David Burton-Sampson, a Basildon councillor, said the content was “appalling” and excludes people.
Very sad
Appearing on BBC Radio Essex, The Christian Institute’s Deputy Director Ciarán Kelly rejected Burton-Sampson’s assessment of the flyers.
“I think it’s very sad that this has been used to attack Christianity. I think it’s very sad that what is essentially a Bible tract is being called extremist literature.
“This seems to be the norm these days – whenever there is a view that is expressed that people don’t like, rather than engaging with that in any kind of way, they call out “bigot”, they call out “extremist”.
God’s rainbow
Mr Kelly also said the assumption the leaflet was speaking about LGBT issues was flawed since it does not mention homosexuality, “LGBT” or gay people.
Challenged over the use of the rainbow on the front cover he pointed out that all seven colours of the rainbow were used, not just the six used by LGBT activists.
He also noted that the row exposed a sad ignorance of Christianity, and that the rainbow is an example of God’s patience and love.
“God had first dibs on the rainbow”.
Astounded
However, Mr Burton-Sampson complained to Essex Police, who are now investigating the tract as a “hate incident”.
A spokesman said: “We received a report on Sunday, August 19 that leaflets with offensive messages on had been delivered to addresses.”
Mr Kelly said it would be “extraordinary” if officers took the matter further.