Elton John: “Jesus Would Support Same-Sex Marriage”

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Elton John says that Jesus Christ would approve of same-sex marriage, including unions between two gay priests. The legendary singer, who is set to wed longtime partner David Furnish, insists that Christians who denounce homosexuality are not acting in the spirit that Christ himself would wish.

“If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that he was, saying this could not happen,” John told Sky News. “He was all about love, compassion, forgiveness, and bringing people together. That’s what the church should be about.”

John made the comments while discussing what he sees as “signs of hope” in the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Pope Francis. However, the singer and gay icon said that there is still room for improvement, including the Church of England’s refusal to allow gay clergy to marry.

“These are old and stupid things,” he said, also criticising the requirement that Catholic priests be celibate. He also lamented what he sees as global failures of human rights for LGBTQ people. “Globally, we seem to have gone backwards over the last 18 months, in certain areas,” he said.

“I’m going to Russia in November, and I will try and meet Putin and I will try to talk to him. I don’t know what good it will do. But unless you build a bridge – it’s no good putting up a wall and saying I’m not talking to these people,” he said. “The only thing that gets solved is by talking to people.”

During a Moscow concert back in December, John denounced Russia’s treatment of its gay community, telling the audience, “I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the [homosexual] community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating. Harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.”

Watch: Elton John – The Bitch Is Back at Bonnaroo 2014

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