Ministers and congregations accused of failing homosexuals

Steve Mallon, the author of Sexuality and Salvation, argues that gay men and women are often not accepted by either ministers or congregations. At the centre of the book is a survey of 50 ministers conducted in 2000.

The research, published by Scottish Christian Press, found that three-quarters of those polled disapproved of homosexuality, while almost all did not believe members of their church would accept gays.

"Young gay and lesbian people have to keep large parts of their life hidden from the Church, and at times of crisis that may mean they have to choose between their faith or their sexuality," said Mr Mallon, who is the national youth adviser to the Board of Parish Education.

"That has harmful effects on individuals, their identity and whom they connect with, and most of them are too afraid to be open and honest about who they are.

"The study shows that if they were open and honest with members of their own church then they would have a pretty hard time."

Mr Mallon said some individuals he had spoken to had been met with hostility when they broached their sexuality within the Church.

"We are now in the 21st century and it is no longer acceptable for people to be treated in this way.

"There is a diversity within society and that has to be recognised. Even if some people disagree with homosexuality they should recognise that the time has come for people to accept each other as they are."

A spokesman for the Equality Network, a Scottish campaign for sexual equality described the findings as "very worrying". "We are talking about very vulnerable people and this shows young gay people are unlikely to get the support they need from a Kirk minister or youth worker," he said.

The spokesman urged the Church of Scotland to get in touch with youth support organisations such as Stonewall Youth.