A Christian charity in the United Kingdom has sparked outrage after a sermon claimed that 'boys no longer rape girls' and instead rape boys, linking homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality. The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Daniel Centre Church in Slough, Berkshire, posted the video on its YouTube channel, where a pastor known as 'Pastor Praise' said the 'homosexualisation of children will be deadly.'
Sermon Content and Controversy
In the 2022 sermon titled 'AWAKE TO CHILDREN MINISTRY (against demonic Sexual-Objectifications of Children),' the pastor repeatedly cited examples of paedophilia allegedly committed by gay men, claiming this would lead children to develop same-sex attractions. She stated: 'The problem of rape right now in the world of our children is the fact that boys no longer rape girls. More boys now rape boys.'
The charity, registered under the category 'advancement of religion,' benefits from taxpayer subsidies for activities deemed 'for the public benefit.' This has drawn criticism from secular groups who argue that such homophobic rhetoric violates the charity's legal obligations.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time the Mountain of Fire and Miracles church has faced controversy. In 2017, a branch in Liverpool was found to practice gay conversion therapy, involving intense prayer and starvation. In 2022, a Facebook post by pastor Raphael Olushola Peters in Belfast compared homosexuality to 'offering children as sacrifices.'
Reactions and Regulatory Scrutiny
Alejandro Sanchez, spokesperson for the National Secular Society, condemned the charity's actions, stating: 'The vicious homophobia promoted by MFM Daniel is completely incompatible with its legal obligation to act for the public benefit. Taxpayer money should not be subsidising this repugnant rhetoric.'
He added: 'MFM Daniel is just the latest in a litany of charities registered under “the advancement of religion” espousing virulent homophobia. The Charity Commission cannot continue to issue mere “advice and guidance” – the regulatory equivalent of a slap on the wrist.'
A Charity Commission spokesperson responded: 'Concerns have been raised with us about video content linked to MFM Daniel Centre Church and we are assessing this to determine any role for the Commission as charity regulator.'
Broader Context
Last month, Metro reported on another religious charity, Wellspring Ministry in Reading, where women were told they 'have no authority over their bodies.' Chair of trustees Bienvenue Hombessa warned married women that 'the devil will come' if they deny their husbands sex. Both charities are registered under 'advancement of religion,' which is meant to include activities like running food banks and providing community services.
Sanchez noted: 'There is still an assumption in the charity system that religion is inherently beneficial. Some religious charities promote divisive, extremist or otherwise harmful ideas and practices that other kinds of charities would not be able to promote. By promoting homophobic or misogynistic views rooted in scripture, religious charities are indeed “advancing religion” – at least as they interpret it.'
Metro has contacted Mountain of Fire and Miracles International and the Charity Commission for comment.
