The Emmanuel Free Church of England in Morecambe, a registered charity, has been reported to the Charity Commission after an online sermon showed a reverend describing Judaism as a 'demonic cult' and adding that 'absolute r******' turn to Islam.
In the sermon, led by Reverend Brett Murphy, the church claimed Judaism was a 'false religion'. Murphy also quoted US Christian nationalist Doug Wilson, saying: 'When the jews are bad, they're very, very bad.'
Conference and previous comments
Murphy's church is due to host a 'Make Great Britain Christian Again' conference this month. He has previously referred to the gay pride flag as the 'sodomite flag' and urged for the end of gay couples being able to adopt children.
In 2023, Murphy resigned from the Church of England, which he now calls heretics, after making derogatory comments about a senior leader who came out as transgender.
Comments on Islam and Muslims
Murphy has also made hateful comments towards Muslims. In a video from July on the Project Britannia YouTube Channel, he said: 'stop these hordes of heathen Muhammadans coming into our country. Of course we do. We're being invaded by an army of heathens who want to kill us.' He added: 'You get so many of these absolute retards turned to Islam, because they're desperate.'
Report to Charity Commission
The National Secular Society (NSS) has reported the church to the Charity Commission, as the group is currently able to receive tax benefits under 'the advancement of religion'. Examples of this include running food banks, providing community services and assisting in international aid, which 'many churches still do' according to the NSS.
But charities and churches are free to interpret 'the advancement of religion' and how this benefits the public as they wish.
Alejandro Sanchez, from the NSS, told Metro: 'The virulent homophobia and social division espoused by Mr Murphy is completely incompatible with Emmanuel Free Church's legal obligation to act for the public benefit. The public purse should not be bankrolling this repugnant rhetoric.'
'This is the latest in a long line of religious charities promoting antisemitism and homophobia. Charity law must be urgently reformed to ensure no organisation can exploit the sector to promote hate and division.'
Metro has contacted Brett Murphy and the Charity Commission for comment.
