Pride group criticises 'homophobic' church plans

A pride group has criticised a church for its "disturbingly homophobic" beliefs after it was given permission to move into a town's former cinema.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was granted planning permission to move into the vacant 1930s building on Newport Road in Stafford last month.

But Stafford Pride, which has its office opposite the site, said it was "deeply troubled" by the move, pointing to the church's "anti-LGBTQ+ agenda".

The RCCG has not responded to the BBC's requests for a comment.

In a statement posted on social media, Stafford Pride said: "The RCCG has a disturbingly specific homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda and set of beliefs, which we stand steadfast against.

"As a town, Stafford is very open, loving and welcoming, we saw this in August at the first Stafford Pride - this is the town we must continue to be."

The ministry, founded in Nigeria, is led by pastor Enoch Adeboye, who has previously called homosexuality evil and said gay marriage could bring about the end of human civilisation.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Stafford Pride chairman Jack Taylor-Walker said he was "horrified" at the church's "incredibly hateful" views.

"We won't give up on what we do. What we will do is call this out – we will always call homophobia out because we don't accept it in our town," he said.

Mr Taylor-Walker said he would be happy to engage with the church to "see how we can move forward", though he was "steadfast" against any form of homophobia.

He added: "It's incredibly worrying and incredibly upsetting."

Stafford Cinema closed its doors in 2021, 85 years after it first opened as an Odeon in 1936.

In late 2022, it was announced that the site was going to be brought back to life as a live entertainment venue, but the plan never came to fruition.

Stafford Borough Council approved the RCCG's planning application to change its use from a cinema to a place of worship on 13 February.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.