A gay man has secured a five-figure payout from the Church of England after undergoing a distressing 'exorcism' ritual intended to 'turn him straight'. The shocking incident, which took place several years ago, has only now come to light following a legal settlement.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was subjected to the archaic practice by clergy members who believed his sexuality could be 'cured' through spiritual intervention. The traumatic experience left him with lasting emotional scars, prompting him to take legal action against the Church.
A Painful Ordeal
The victim described the exorcism as a deeply humiliating and painful experience, during which he was told his homosexuality was 'unnatural' and 'sinful'. The Church of England has since apologised and acknowledged the harm caused, agreeing to a significant financial settlement.
Church of England's Response
In a statement, the Church expressed regret over the incident, stating that such practices are not in line with modern Anglican teachings. 'We deeply regret the distress caused and reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation,' a spokesperson said.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing tensions within religious institutions regarding LGBTQ+ rights. While many denominations have moved towards greater acceptance, incidents like this reveal that harmful practices persist in some quarters.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have welcomed the settlement but stress the need for systemic change to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
