CIOG, Pastor Sheeratan-Bisnauth differ on legalisation of gay marriage

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By Jomo Paul

Pastor Patricia Sheeratan-Bisnauth
Pastor Patricia Sheeratan-Bisnauth

[www.inewsguyana.com] – With the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court that makes gay marriage legal in all 50 states of the country, the topic has been the subject of spirited debate here in Guyana.

The debate goes from an outpouring of support for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual, Transgender Intersex (LGBTI) community with several persons taking affirmative positions on the issue via social media, while others are condemning it based on moral and religious grounds.

Pastor Patricia Sheeratan-Bisnauth, who is also Head of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), is also showing support for the minority community, pointing out that the decision by the US Supreme Court should be welcomed the world over.

During an interview with iNews on Tuesday, June 30, the Pastor pointed out that persons should stop spreading hate and hell fire towards members of the gay community.

“People can be treated equally; people of all orientation and race. Everyone has a right to live a life of dignity.I think this is good news for the US and world wide – we are advancing. This will lead to people changing their views on the issue,” said Pastor Sheeratan-Bisnauth .

She pointed out that the LGBTI community is comprised of some of the more vulnerable sections of society; hence they should be given whatever support is needed.

When asked about persons that share her religion but have different views on the issue, the Pastor made it clear that such persons should examine their bibles more closely to see the true message therein.

“I can’t see where it is an abomination – what is an abomination is any religious group spreading hatred and intolerance for another human being. If it was such an important subject – Jesus never mentioned anything about homosexuality. But Jesus emphasized that we should love God and love our neighbours as we love ourselves. As Christians we stray from this point when we peddle our message of exclusion and hellfire,” she stated.

However, the Muslim community does not share this view and is rather upset with the ruling of the US Supreme Court. On Monday, June 29, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) condemned the ruling and called on the vanguards of moral values to safeguard society by joining in the condemnation.

President of CIOG, Fazeel Ferouz
President of CIOG, Fazeel Ferouz

“The Central Islamic Organisation (ClOG) is sorry to learn of the decision of the United States Supreme Court to legalise same sex marriage in the fifty States of America. While we are cognizant of the individual freedom to do as they please, the ClOG has a compulsory right to condemn as an Un-Islamic ruling that will protect and foster this lifestyle. We call on all leaders of religion and the defenders of social and moral values to join with the ClOG in its condemnation,” the release stated.

However, while the CIOG is condemning the ruling, it maintained that it was not engaging in the act of discrimination but rather defending the teachings in the Quran.

Gay marriage“The ClOG will not advocate the discrimination of any group in our society, but will continue to state our objections to any laws in our Country that will seek to legitimatize this act. Such action will go against the fundamental teachings of Islam and the laws of our Creator. It is our belief that if propagated and endorsed, the moral fiber of our society will be immeasurably damaged,especially for the future generations,” the organisation stated.

“However, as Muslims we need to adhere to the commandments of Almighty Allah,who in the Holy Quran forbids this act as a filthy act that transgresses against Him. It is considered a major sin in the eyes of the Almighty and even more so when practiced and sanctioned publicly. The argument of homosexuality being a genetic makeup, is not substantiated by any medical or other research; save one conducted by a homosexual,” the release also stated.

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41 COMMENTS

  1. no he is not, but people need to hear the truth, why you get people get angry when the truth is spoken.

  2. I think that pastor has some screws loose in her head, what a disgrace to Christianity
    , who in the right mind will attend her Church.

  3. This is the outcome of capitalism. Everything gets commercialised; even marriage. It’s more about the rights associated with marriage that the gay community are after rather than the right to love who they wish. No one needs a marriage certificate to love another. What is needed is advocacy for the original purpose of marriage to be respected.

  4. Kudos. Marriage has become commercialised… instead of protecting the unborn child, marriage is now more about protecting the wealth and financial benefits of the partners. Gays have been doing their thing for ages, the drive for rights to marriage is based on the need for rights to protect property etc. Maybe there ought to be an alternative arrangement for people of these desires, and leave marriage as it ought to be in is original purpose… to protect children.

  5. It’s called politics. When they fail to keep their congregation size up, they lose… same as in voting. Christianity has become commercialised. These Pastors competing to fill the seats in their church… equivalent to tithes coming in .

  6. I do agree with you. We should not sacrifice our belief and who we are to something/someone else”s. We should and must continue to stand up for our rights too, loud and clear. Who gave them the right to brand us as “haters?” It is because of our belief that they are born – and on this earth…let us see them pro-create and pass their teachings on..

  7. I have heard this argument: no other person gets hurt but i was also told this argument. When a person has sex with the dead no other person gets hurt, should we also come to accept these as peopel of another gender?

  8. I will organize a very peaceful march to demonstrate to those that can make similar rulings in Guyana that we are not of the pastor persuasion. I am asking for all of our sons and daughters to join me when i do this.

    In islam as i know it to be, we cannot sanction any practice that is done in the confines of a person’s home but whatever is done publicly must never encourage persons to break the laws of god. that we can fight against.

  9. She has to be a so-call Pastor who really know know what the Bible says….I’m am so ashamed that she is representing the Christian community…..

    I pray the folks that attends that church vote her out ASAP.

    And to corrct you Ms. Sheeratan….rejecting the acts of the homosexuals has NOTHING TO DO WITH HATING THEM….. so get that right…..

    Remember your choices have consequences……Let God Be the Judge…you better think again….and stop being a man pleaser.

  10. Claudeston Massiah you have hit the nail on the head. I know that God the Almighty, the Creator of all is full of mercy and is unchangeable. So He cannot lie as God. From the beginning God hates sin; but God is love and His desire is to reconcile us to himself. So while all have sinned …. God does not say go on sinning, whatever the sin. God will judge all. My task is to love, bless, do good and pray for all Matt. 5: 42. What I wish to say is this, that while there are those who desire to continue the works of the flesh God has given you too a measure of faith and a soul which does not change with your appearance or orientation. He God can destroy body and soul. Think on it. Nothing is new under the sun. As it was in the beginning so will it be in the end. God will judge us all. All be prepared for God’s judgement so watch your walk, worship, work, witness and your relationship with God’s Holy Word. Don’t add or subtract from it in your human intellect and desire to please.

  11. The pastor and all her supporter need to read the Bible and see what was the end of the people of Lot in Sodom- destruction by the creator. We cannot cherry pick what commandments in religious doctrines we accept to suit our narrow agendas. Marriage is a religious institution to protect the unborn child not to protect an immoral act. If you want to go against God go right ahead but don’t use a religious norm to carry out your immoral agenda. It is like say I don’t like gun violence but I own a gun-just doesn’t make sense.

  12. You need help, for real you so need help that I think it is not available in enough quantities to help you.

  13. I am a Pastor and like the. Muslim we won’t encourage discrimination but at the same time must obey at all times the statues of God Almighty…..I quote Richard Rennie.

    I am sure if I follow the bible to the letter I can find something that I can stone you to death for. I am sure you are not beyond reproach.

  14. God made them. But He has given each one a free will, and consequently, each decision made by His creatures will attract the requisite divine responses. However, there is love in Christ. Change your mind, believe, and experience His forgiveness.

  15. Whilst there are many that are quick to condemn others .. it is the late Pierre Trudeau (former Prime Minister of Canada) whom once remarked that ‘whatever went on in a person’s bedroom was none of the nation’s business. Guyana must as a matter of gender & social equity stop this demonic harassment and ill-treatment of the LBGTI community locally.

    There are many in our society whom support harsh measures against the LBGTI community and they need to be shamefully exposed so we can as a nation boycott their businesses so they can feel the financial pain.Instead of coming up with these medieval laws against LBGTI community – Guyana needs to have harsher penalties for rape, sexual molestation of minors, sexual extortion, sexual blackmail and the sexual trafficking of young men and women by those in ‘high offices’.

    Simona Broomes need not a broom but a heavy pressure washer to clean up the royal mess that she has been trying to clean up. The Islamic community should use this period of Ramadan as moment of ‘serious introspection’ and this includes the immediate abolishment of some of the medieval practices they are addicted to including treating their women folk with utters disrespect and disregard behind closed doors. Perhaps, one needs to remind them of the Holy Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) last sermon.

    his sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H.
    in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ (in Mecca).

    After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

    “O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

    O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…

    Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

    O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

    O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

    All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

    Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

    O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

    All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

  16. The very fact of a woman being a pastor or leader in church is already and abomination to The Lord. The office of leadership was given to man and for a woman to be submissive unto The Lord.
    This woman which I do not recognized as a pastor needs to study the Bible carefully. It is wrong to hate, true, but we as Christians are call to hate sin and sinner just as God hates the sin of man. A woman was made to be a companion to a man and not another woman. A man is made to love and cherish and guide a woman, not another man. It’s amazing how the Muslims sees this as a sin

  17. The decision made by the US government has not in anyway affected the lives of Guyanese living in Guyana. But the hate and discrimination being spewed toward our own people is disgraceful. Whatever happened to not saying anything if you don’t have anything nice to say?
    Being homosexual is not a choice. So what if there hasn’t been any scientific evidence yet. THEY CANNOT HELP THE WAY THEY FEEL. Much the same way a man or woman cannot help but love their spouse or children. Just because you do not understand something does not mean it does not exist. It is unfair to preach tolerance and in the same breath condemn people for their involuntary affections for someone of the same gender.
    I notice everyone mentioning men and not the same sex relations of two women. Double standards much? Either way every man and woman has a right to decide who they love and should not be forced into hiding by the bias and intolerance of others.
    Your intolerance is hate. You are scaring people into hiding. You are telling them they do not belong in this world. If they did not belong here, they would be here. God would have made sure of this.
    As for the statements that Pastor Sheeratan should not be a pastor because she is a woman; this is the 21st century, get with the program. She can be whatever she wants to be. Like any other woman.

  18. Hello Pastor Bisnauth this piece of information is specially for you, reason you are supposedly a teacher of the the Bible. Read carefully Pastor Bisnauth meditate, pray on it and then begin to make use of the teachings in your congregation/church. Here is the information for you:

    What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

    Rom. 1:24-27: “God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, gave them up to uncleanness, that their bodies might be dishonored among them . . . God gave them up to disgraceful sexual appetites, for both their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature; and likewise even the males left the natural use of the female and became violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their error.”
    1 Tim. 1:9-11: “Law is promulgated, not for a righteous man, but for persons lawless and unruly, ungodly and sinners, . . . fornicators, men who lie with males, . . . and whatever other thing is in opposition to the healthful teaching according to the glorious good news of the happy God.” (Compare Leviticus 20:13.)
    Jude 7: “Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them, after they . . . [had] gone out after flesh for unnatural use, are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire.” (The name Sodom has become the basis for the word “sodomy,” which usually designates a homosexual practice. Compare Genesis 19:4, 5, 24, 25.)
    What is the attitude of true Christians toward those who have a history of homosexuality?
    1 Cor. 6:9-11: “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.” (Regardless of such a background, if persons now abandon their former unclean practices, apply Jehovah’s righteous standards, and exercise faith in his provision for forgiveness of sins through Christ, they can enjoy a clean standing before God. After reforming, they may be welcomed in the Christian congregation.)
    True Christians know that even deeply rooted wrong desires, including those that may have a genetic basis or that involve physical causes or environmental factors, are not insurmountable for persons who truly want to please Jehovah. Some people are by nature highly emotional. Perhaps in the past they gave free rein to fits of anger; but knowledge of God’s will, the desire to please him, and the help of his spirit enable them to develop self-control. A person may be an alcoholic, but, with proper motivation, he can refrain from drinking and thus avoid becoming a drunkard. Likewise, a person may feel strongly attracted to others of the same sex, but by heeding the counsel of God’s Word he can remain clean from homosexual practices. (See Ephesians 4:17-24.) Jehovah does not allow us to go on thinking that wrong conduct really makes no difference; he kindly but firmly warns us of the consequences and provides abundant help for those who want to “strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe [themselves] with the new personality.”—Col. 3:9, 10.

  19. Hello pastor Richard Rennie please refer to Matthew 7-16 where the Savior said we should not judge, then he said of you leave the judgement to me.Thou shalt not judge thy neighbour leave the judgement to me.Yes indeed the woman who is a pastor should not be, Christ during his ministry on earth did not ordain any woman into his ministry.
    For me I do it the way the Savior prescribed I do not judge anyone Jesus said if any of you are without sin cast the first stone.

  20. What sin you hypocrites are talking about? To deny and accept our Lord & Saviour ‘s teachings is the greatest sin. You have no right to condemn only Jesus Christ condemns

  21. Leviticus 18 speaks a lot about incest, how come Abraham married his half sister, and Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed. In the same vein it speaks about sexual relations. David loved Jonathan more than he loved any woman. Jesus never spoke against “gays” Matthew 19:10-12. When Jesus mentioned Sodom & Gomorrah he was not referring to gays.

  22. I agree wit u Peter Sam 100%. He without Sin cast the first stone. We were all born in Sin n shape in Inquity this is y I don’t follow Religion because some people read the Bible literally, it’s a book to read n study in dept with the help of God to fill you with that knowledge n the understanding. I’m done with this subject because these people are too trifling n foolish. Again Peter you were on point with that Muslim man.

  23. Hey the Bible talk about all this already, this is noting new. The bible already condemned this lifestyle and an entire community was destroyed because of this life style. what you guys tout as progress is sheer backwardness.

  24. Leviticus 20:13- If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

    Romans 1:26-32
    (32) – who, knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

    Read the bible.

  25. Mahadeo, your comment about her being a pastor is my very reason for advising her to ask the Lord to reveal His Holy Word to her, as right there is she completely out of place by being in a pastorial position. She needs to really study the book of Corinthians and she will learn all she needs to know about this issue and many other things. In 1st Corinthians 6:9, the Lord addressed what will happen with the effeminate spirit. As you rightly said, the Lord destroyed an entire nation because of this spirit. It is amazing and baffling that a person purporting to be a christian, much more – a pastor(wrong as this is) will make hold such views as her. JESUS LOVES THE SINNER, BUT HE HATES SIN

  26. Pastors who support this lifestyle should stop hiding behind their designation as though God approves of their view. They use this slick argument that anyone with a counter view from theirs and those who support homosexuality are spewing hate. Homosexuals have all sorts of rights now including that of the right to be married despite the feeble protests of the religious community. And it is their right to be able to access these rights. But what of the rights of those of us who do not support homosexuality. Do we not have a right to say so without bring labelled as hate mongers? Isn’t it possible to not support this lifestyle and not hate those who are practicing. Branding those of us that say no is another way of shutting down our views which for the most part has been very successful. Fear has gripped most of us in disagreeing with the practice of homosexuality. The reason(s) for the non- support are many and varied and run the whole spectrum from religious to nature. The contention here is not about reason(s) its about our right to say I/we reserve the right to say hell no I/ we do not support this lifestyle without been branded haters. Stifleing our views is what was done to homosexuals in the past. It was not right then it is not right now. I reserve this right regardless of what some pastor says.

  27. I don’t know where did this woman get the title of “pastor”. She should go read her bible. what about Sadom and Gomorah?

  28. Jesus Christ !!! As soon as gay marriage is legalised in Guyana, the gays are going to want other rights, like the ability to vote and pay taxes !!!!!

  29. Are you the second coming? I am sure you are not without sin. If we were to read our bible we would see that it is right to stone people who give blow. When a woman sees her period she has to go live outside the house for a few days, according to many white people, it says that god cursed us to be slaves for ever. You need to read the bible yourself and stop being selective.

  30. I don’t see the point, the Muslims take pride in murdering other human beings. I do not condemn anyone, what I would like to ask those that do is, let us all stand facing each other and point out the individual sins of each other . Let us all have a large stone in our hands and get ready to pelt those who have sins and spare those who don’t. Jesus put paid to that many years ago.

    The solution to this issue is for us to mind our own business. Gay, straight, transgender, they are all here. If this thing was such an abomination, why didn’t they die at childbirth, conception even.

    How come these so called wicked people were born the same way the pastor, the moulvi, the pope, the pandit were born?

    Why don’t lightening strike gay men and women down if god so hate them? The thing for me is the hypocrisy and the unrealistic things religious people say, stop this sin business and mind your own business.

  31. Mrs Bisnauth needs to read her bible and ask God to reveal his word to her and she will be ashamed of how much her views are a desecration to the Holy Word of God.

  32. Dear woman,no where in the bible. You can be a pastor.that’s an office for a man .please note we are not to hate anyone but doesn’t mean we have to condone their act.isn’t burning down and entire city a big statement.does God need to comment more on what his approval is on sodomy.also if you know your bible you would know the earth will come to a destructive by fire. This time.the reason well since you don’t know jesus said it saying the world will be as the day of sodom and gomorah.so miss pasture yes I purpose ly spell that wrong maybe you should tell me why god almighty will destroy it by fire.

  33. I totally agree with pastor Sheeratan. The bible and Quran was written in a different time and needs to make changes to go along with changes as they occur. We as a society should learn to accept changes and be more tolerant of people that are different than us. Society is changing rapidly so should we as a people . Kudos to the U.S. Supreme Court , job well done.

  34. The Pastor claims that Jesus never addressed homosexuality. The big question is whether the scriptures support a homosexual/lesbian life style. The events of the twin cities Sodom and Gomorrha forever speak of God’s condemnation of such sexual practices.
    This Pastor has a right to say what she wants, but not to teach heresies.

  35. What foolishness that is being spoken from the mouth of a so call Pastor. I am a Pastor and like the. Muslim we won’t encourage discrimination but at the same time must obey at all times the statues of God Almighty. We are expected to stand our ground and preach the love of God to all men and kindread. That message is not of hate but of a love of a king that wants to establish his kingdom amoung us his people and with his will being done in our lives. If we give that king a chance to relationship with us as he wants to we will have no need for this discussion.

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