Gospel star Donnie McClurkin lashed by gay rights lobby

CONTROVERSY continues to surround gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin, who on 16th November is visiting the UK to participate in London's Gospel Gathering event, about his inclusion in the Embrace The Change concert tour in aid of black politician and presidential candidate Barack Obama. McClurkin, who gives testimony of having been delivered of homosexual orientation by the Spirit of God, has been singled out for virulent attacks by gay rights groups. Fox News reports that a letter to Obama from the National Black Justice Coalition complains that Obama's concert is being headlined by "gospel music's most openly homophobic artists; the most volatile of which is the Rev Donnie McClurkin. Your willingness to share a stage with Rev Donnie McClurkin is alarming and, frankly, deeply disappointing. Rev McClurkin has consistently disparaged gay men and lesbians, spread half-truths and unproven theories about our lives and has shown a willingness to work with those who would use the rights of gay Americans as a wedge issue to divide black families for their own cynical political objectives."

Also booked to perform on Obama's gospel concert tour is Mary Mary, one of whom said of homosexuality: "I feel how God feels about it ... but I still love them. ... I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I love them. They have issues and need somebody to encourage them like everybody else - just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute; everybody needs God."

Despite pressure on Obama from left-wing web logs and gay advocacy groups to remove the controversial performers from the programme, he has not done so; however, he issued a statement distancing himself from the reverend's views. "I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity and rights of all other citizens. And so I strongly disagree with Rev McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."