By Kurt Campbell
![Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/edghill-w.jpg)
Speaking to the media this afternoon, Edghill who is also a Bishop said while he does not intend to give attention to a matter that is underserving, it must be noted that his attitude to the matter will be guided by a scripture from the Bible; Mathews 5:11: “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
He deemed SASOD’s call a publicity stunt and made it clear that he will not be “bullied, intimidated or silenced in any form or fashion by anyone, organization or agenda.”
The local gay rights advocacy group said Edghill is guilty of making hate speeches in relation to homosexuality and persons who practice the act; reasoning that it could incite ill-will against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) persons.
The Body was making specific reference to Edghill’s recent comments on the Radio Program ‘Hard Talk’ on 90.1 FM where he supported views expressed by Pastor Ronald McGarrell where he [McGarrell] said that homosexuality is a learnt behavior and that all gay persons should live on an island by themselves to prevent it from spreading.
According to SASOD, “Edghill used the most inflammatory language describing homosexuality as destructive, unwholesome and unhealthy.”
To this end, Edghill said that it was unfortunate that in advocating for their rights, SASOD is seeking to take away his right to freely practice his religion, exercise his conscience and freedom of expression.
He maintains that his comments can in no way amount to hate speech and challenged the Body to play the progamme for the nation to judge him.
He said he has never supported hate against any group in articulating his theological positions and beliefs.
“I believe that gays should have rights, I love everyone,” he said; adding that “SASOD is being mischievous and looking to grab headlines and attention but I want to say they are barking up the wrong tree.”
He also accused the Body of twisting what he had said.
Edghill said he has never witnessed nor have evidence of any discrimination or abuse against gays in Guyana but said he has personally been abused by a homosexual.
“I want to know what name you would give to those persons, they call us homophobic but I want to know what you call a homosexual that abuses a heterosexual.”
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke
My only interest in this issue is to stand up for any one or any community that is discriminated against and held up to ridicule, especially by those in positions of authority, who use their position to incite violence against any minority by suggesting that are a scourge and they be put on an island by themselves. In short to deny them the same rights and privileges and protection available to everyone under the law.
I may not personally agree with the LGBT lifestyle, but regardless of my personal feelings. I will be obedient to God’s Word and I will love them with God’s love. And I not will participate in any campaign to ostracize or deny them their civil or human rights.
What is most frightening to me is that Bishop Edgehill and Pastor McGarrell are “men of God”. But their views are of hatred, not love, for those different from themselves. In fact they epitomize the Pharisees who called for Jesus’s crucifixion because Jesus (God Himself) preached repentance and the kingdom of God. He preached peace, love, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit. Jesus went among sinners and bought salvation to them and healed them. The Bishop should remember – Romans 5:8 ~ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Secondly, as a Government minister his views alienates and are discriminatory against the citizens of Guyana. He should not be allowed to remain in his governmental position.
First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me—
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemöller
Sir you missed the focus. I believe Jesus came to fulfil the scriptures. However, I must compliment you of your knowledge of the scriptures for what it is worth.
Yes God loves his children.
You lost it when you singled out the LGBT.
This is the basic problem.
God’s people are all, not ‘all’ and ‘Hindus’ for argument sake.
But amplifying the LGBT you are in essence stick it out like a sore thumb.
I could care less how you have sex, so don’t tell me about it.
I do not go out of my way to tell you of my preference.
Mind you it is good to know if you warn me in advance of your sexual preference for obvious reasons, so as not to shower in front of you in the nude.
I am male.
The Bishop is acting on his religious belief and I respect him for that, I may do the same if my Religious beliefs are compromised by others.
Please live your life of God given freedom.
Please also do not encroach on others.
We must find a way to enjoy this planet.
There are real problems in this world which I believe have more preference.
Definitely! He must go!
dis bana must go..cant be a sitting minister and discriminate against citizens
A history of Christianity is largely a history of the abuse of Jesus Christ’s teachings. The Bible declares “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10), and since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), that means me, Bishop Edgehill, Pastor McGarrell, and the haters of God, who don’t know the love of God for sinners, who claim to speak for God, and who in their ignorance selectively trumpet Scripture that support their narrow, hateful, point of view.
God loves His people, including those in the LGBT community. So many are in the grip of sin, consumed in guilt and condemnation, and have no way out. Jesus is the only way out. He is not only our forgiveness for sin, but He also give us power over sin. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life…of freedom from sin.
This is the gospel that those who have received forgiveness and experienced the immutable love of God through His Son Jesus Christ must live. And give to sinners. The Bible tells us that when one sinner is saved the angels in heaven rejoice.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”John 3:16-17
Jesus did not come to CONDEMN sinners but to save them. “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” Luke 5:32. God is LOVE! “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:8-11
The last act of Jesus before He ascended to His Father’s throne is heaven is recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 ~ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Don’t underestimate God. He is glorified when sinners are saved.
Ignore them. However, you and the Reverend, need to stop berating them in the media. You are against their lifestyle, and beliefs, and it’s your right, to speak out against things that offend you; but it does not give you the right to condemn them as “not being human” you do not have the authority, and I know God did not give it to you.