A METHODIST theological college has reportedly dismissed one of its lecturers, Dr Aaron Edwards, after he posted on Twitter that “Homosexuality is invading the Church.”
Dr Edwards, who is 37, has for seven years been a lecturer at Cliff College, a theological education and training institution and charity in Calver, Derbyshire. It specialises in mission and evangelism.
On 19 February, Dr Edwards wrote on Twitter: “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this b/c they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true. This *is* a ‘Gospel issue’, by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.”
YouTubeAaron Edwards speaks to GB News
Later that day, Cliff College posted a response saying that the language used by Dr Edwards was “inappropriate and unacceptable” and did not represent the views of the college.
It read: “We have become aware that one of our lecturers posted some comments on this platform this morning regarding human sexuality. The language used is inappropriate and unacceptable and does not represent either the views or the ethos of Cliff College.
“Cliff College, with the Methodist Church in Britain, is committed to being a safe and hospitable place, where those with differing convictions are welcomed and challenged to live together as faithful disciples of Christ.
“We aim to do this with mutual respect and a generosity of spirit that springs from our biblical and evangelical conviction of God’s love for each and for all.”
Two days after his original message on Twitter, Dr Edwards said that he had been suspended for two weeks pending a disciplinary investigation. On Saturday, he posted: “I have been fired by Cliff College.”
A statement from Cliff College over the weekend read: “As internal processes remain ongoing, we are unable to respond to specific issues. As a Methodist institution, Cliff College is committed to being a safe and hospitable place where those with differing convictions are welcomed and encouraged to live and learn together as faithful disciples of Christ.”
In 2021, the Methodist Conference voted to marry same-sex couples in church (News, 2 July 2021).