I agree: Would it not set a precedent for government to ban any “deviant” Christian groups? Who decides which is deviant? Should this authority be given to the government? Who is to know that one day the Pentecostals will be considered deviant?

It also gives sends the wrong signal to the general public (who are more liberal and embracing of differences), that Christians are no different from extremist Muslims – afraid of ‘deviants’, are narrow minded and fearful of a challenge to their orthodoxy.

JC: Yo, bro.

JC: LOL, It comes with age..I suppose I had thought a bit more about this after reading both sides of the divide. Though I cant say i know the answer. I just feel sorry for these folks who are being prejudiced.

JC: Thats so KIND of You! Why cant you go with BengHui? Where is it?

Namely, is the current establishment reaching out to this so-called “fringe groups”?

I would agree not many churches are really reaching out to the poor or junkies – but it isnt true that none are. OuYang made a sweeping statement (you included) to say that “the establishment isnt reaching out enough”. For one, my church Grace Assembly (and I know of a few others in KL) who does reach the poor and (drug) junkies.

I would agree with OuYang that there is a general prejudice against Homosexuals and they are really not effectively reached or served by the majority of churches.

As the matter is rather delicate, I think many church members are just not able to handle the issue of homosexuality (kindly) and therefore many are homophobic.

You see it is hard (delicate) to posture oneself to love (accept, forgive, be kind) the person (the homosexual) and at the same time wanting the person to repent of the sin. For many Christians it is a sin.

Although i know there are some who are persuaded that it isnt since it isnt their choice to be homosexual – it is very much debatable and it is not my place to decide on this.

As far as I know it is a sin – just like any other sin – of lying, cheating, pride or idolatry. And basically to single out homosexuality as worst that other sins so named is unfair and is a prejudice.

So there you go. I agree with some and i disagree with some points.

Not to look at it from a religious angle. Bzness angle. They got the publicity..pre media build-up..some ever ready believers who believe the present set up is against them n they feel condemned as is proven in Rev Allen Tan’s email to u. As a public figure Ou Yang has his plus points and they have the resources I believe to make it work if they don’t spread out too fast too soon. (overseas funds)

The establishment isnt reaching out enough to the fringe groups of society..the super poor, junkies, etc etc . This group might just fill the niche.

It wont challenge the establishment like the Methodist, Catholics or the Evangelists etc but there is a ready market for those who do not practise discrimination at least not openly.

Looks like the press already picked up the protest and have already given the Gay pastor and the Church free publicity.

[Christians with all guns blazing usually end up with bleeding feet.]