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A group called the United Gospel Witness Group are holding an open air protest in Newry tomorrow Saturday 22 August in response to the Newry Pride Parade being in the city on the same day. The group applied to the Parades Commission for their parade related protest and no conditions were placed on it.
The Newry Pride parade will set off from Newry Leisure Centre at 1pm taking in Monaghan Street, Merchants Quay and Sugar Island then finishing at Marcus Square in Hill Street, where a Party in the Square will take place throughout the day. United Gospel Witness say they plan to be in Hill Street from 11.30am to 3pm. The group held a similar event last Saturday at Lurgan Pride.
Speaking about the groups attendance Cara Finegan from Newry Pride said: "Our Pride theme this year is Bolder, Brighter, United. So I think our best response is to remain celebratory, unashamed and confident in our togetherness. We all must refuse retaliation, and ignore hostility and hatred and instead show the importance of Love. And love alone, no matter our sexuality.
"It's important at times like these to focus on the joyful, visible self-expression and the inclusion of marginalised communities. I think it's best to call out homophobic behaviour by celebrating openly, joyously and by safely standing together."
United Gospel Witness member Ross Holmes said: "This Saturday, as Newry Pride takes place, I will be present with others to share the Christian Gospel and to make clear our opposition to the public celebration and parading of what we believe Scripture identifies as sin.
"Our presence is not motivated by hatred or hostility towards individuals. As Christians, we believe that every person is made in the image of God and should therefore be treated with dignity. However, loving people does not mean remaining silent about what we believe to be contrary to God's Word.
"We believe that sin is not something to be celebrated or promoted, but something from which we all need to repent. The Christian message is therefore not simply one of condemnation, but of hope: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners and offers forgiveness, reconciliation and new life to all who turn to Him in repentance and faith."
Holmes said they recognise that this message may be challenging or unpopular, but that they believe the Gospel should be proclaimed openly, honestly and respectfully. "We will stand firmly for biblical truth while seeking to conduct ourselves with grace and respect towards everyone attending Newry Pride."
"Our purpose is not to attack individuals, but to point people towards Jesus Christ, who we believe is the answer to humanity's deepest need and offers salvation to all who will come to Him."
