Pastor apologizes to LGBTs on behalf of religious groups

A pastor from the Freedom in Christ Ministry chose to preach love, not hate during the 23rd Pride March in Marikina City on Saturday.

Together with other members of his church, Pastor Val Pamiñano displayed signs reading "God adores you," "I'm sorry Christians have shunned you," and "I used to be a Bible-banging homophobe, sorry!"

The Freedom in Christ Ministries apologizes to members of the LGBT community in behalf of churches who condemn them pic.twitter.com/PCb65VLDMb

— Jessica Bartolome (@jacbartolome) June 24, 2017

Pamiñano apologized in behalf of the churches that condemn the LGBT community. He said not all religious group hate LGBTs.

"We're here to tell the LGBT community that we love them. Not all churches condemn them, there are churches like ours who accept them as they are," he told GMA News Online.

"In behalf of those churches, we are so sorry," he added.

Pamiñano said he used to be a "Bible-banging homophobe," because he misinterpreted the Scriptures, but now he chooses to spread love, not hope.

His goal was achieved as LGBT members who passed by thanked him and his group. Some paused to hug them.

However, not all religious groups that showed up at the march had similar motives.

Several men showed up carrying signs reading "Bawal: Bakla, tomboy," "Trust Jesus," and "Magsisi kayo."

One religious group member accosted several LGBT members, waving a Bible in their faces and reading verses.

Another group carried a cross with messages, "Para sa iyo" and "Handa ka na ba?"

Some members and supporters of the LBGT community attempted to get close to them, but police prevented the possible clash. —ALG, GMA News