BBC’s Songs of Praise has alienated its viewers after it featured a same-sex wedding in this week’s programme.
Jamie Wallace and Ian McDowell married at Rutherglen United Reformed Church near Glasgow – one of the few denominations to have accepted the redefinition of marriage.
While presenter Kate Bottley described the URC decision as “momentous”, viewers were disappointed by the one-sided presentation of same-sex marriage on a Christian programme.
‘One-sided’
The couple were able to speak without challenge on the programme, with Mr Wallace justifying his stance by saying: “Jesus preaches about love and inclusion, kindness, compassion.”
Commenting on Twitter, one viewer said: “Your coverage of the same sex wedding, was very weak and one sided, no verbal challenge or biblical view of this issue.”
Another tweeted: “This can’t be serious, a gay wedding on songs of praise. Don’t you read the Bible, or do you rip out the pages that may upset your lifestyle. Making a mockery of the church and on national tv.”
Alienating
The Christian Institute’s Director Colin Hart said: “It is deeply offensive to see same-sex marriage celebrated in such a way on what is supposed to be a Christian devotional programme.
“Those connected to the programme are boasting that they are ‘not afraid of controversy’. In fact, they seem to delight in it.
“But for many who are housebound and unable to get to church, Songs of Praise has been one of the few sources of orthodox Christian worship they may have had access to.
“By featuring a same-sex ceremony, and for presenting those who may disagree as wrong-thinking, Songs of Praise has alienated this core audience.”