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Homosexuality is everywhere in the VI - Bishop John I Cline

- blasts the 'Church' for accepting gay lifestyle; said God will walk out of the church if morality is lost
Bishop John I. Cline has blamed the churches for allowing homosexuality to become 'accepted' in society. Photo: Facebook
Virgin Islander Pinky Callwood (left) and Andy Magraw (right) alleged they were discriminated against as an 'openly gay couple' by a United Kingdon expat while vacationing in the Virgin Islands recently. Photo: Facebook
Virgin Islander Pinky Callwood (left) and Andy Magraw (right) alleged they were discriminated against as an 'openly gay couple' by a United Kingdon expat while vacationing in the Virgin Islands recently. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- “It’s in our schools; it’s in our churches. You are coming up on the ferry from St Thomas you see woman holding woman’s hand; some kissing. It has changed the way we look at life in terms of relationships in public settings even and it is impacting our society,” Leader of the New Life Baptist Church in Duff's Bottom, Bishop John I. Cline told the Morning Ride Show with Paul ‘Gadiethz’ Peart on 103.7 FM on June 23, 2016.

The two men were addressing the topic of the prevalence of homosexuality in the Virgin Islands.

Church to blame

Bishop Cline blamed the churches for allowing homosexuality to take root and growing to the point where it now seems acceptable in society.

“The church has lost its effectiveness and its influence to address a lot of other things… We have no effect on the society at large in terms of bringing moral change and impacting the spiritual and social fibre of our community. That’s a sad commentary right there.”

The Bishop also recalled that one time he was called to a meeting of the Christian Council to address a matter that had come up with a same-sex situation that was in the schools. “Three churches came and, when they realised what was going on, they walked out of the meeting. They said ‘we are not here for that; we are not at liberty to address that’. So, the church has lost its effectiveness and its influence to address a lot of other things,” Bishop Cline said.

Churches closing

He argued that once the church begins to be bound by the laws of man then God walks out of it and leaves the church to their own devices.

“And I think that’s what happening in the world; there is a lot of churches closing. I said to our church a few weeks ago, if the salt has lost its flavour, Jesus said, then it’s good for nothing. If the church has now stopped becoming a watchdog of our society, and the moral conscience of our nation, then what is it good for? Is it just good to tell you that Jesus is coming soon and you must get saved to go to heaven when you have no affect on the landscape of our morality…?” he reasoned.

It was on May 22, 2016 that this news site reported about two men, including a Virgin Islander, alleging on the BVI Community Board on Facebook that they were treated like “garbage” as an “openly gay couple” by an expat from the United Kingdom while they were in the Virgin Islands recently.

The Facebook post made on May 20, 2016 by a ‘Pinky’ Callwood had seen the “couple” receiving huge support by members of the Facebook group, with many condemning the alleged behaviour of the expat.

71 Responses to “Homosexuality is everywhere in the VI - Bishop John I Cline”

  • myrun (28/06/2016, 10:20) Like (35) Dislike (13) Reply
    Fire burn dem
    • @ myrun (28/06/2016, 11:38) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
      hope you are not the first to be burn!
    • It is true (28/06/2016, 17:54) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      Yes Sin is sin but they have the unpardonable sin. Blasphemy is an unpardonable sin. If you say a man is made for a man and go to bed with that man you blaspheme and telling God he lie!!! This will not be forgivable. homosexuality cannot even compere to murder, it exceeds that level of sin... You will burn and that's a fact.
      Please stop bathing in the toilet people!!!
      • atheist (28/06/2016, 22:56) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        Blasphemy is a victimless crime.
        God is man made
        The bible is total nonsense - read it for yourself and you will see that
        Churches are closing around the world because people are becoming more educated and the evidence overwhelmingly points to no such thing as any of the gods.
        But there are still plenty of sheep and Pastors like Cline are doing everything they can to maintain their income
      • christian (06/07/2016, 09:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @It is true: Clearly you are not a Christian and know very little if anything about the Bible. Blasphemy is denying that the God of Abraham who is the father of the universe exists even though you hear about Him and was told He is, was, and forever will be. the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
  • vi (28/06/2016, 10:32) Like (28) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lots of the married men are bisexual!
    Hope they protect themselves and don't give their innocent wife any disease.

    • hm (28/06/2016, 13:56) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      "innocent wife" ya say
    • vi (28/06/2016, 23:18) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      . Cant wait to hear all the comments as to how stupid the idea is lol.
      That's my humble opinion
    • SB (29/06/2016, 06:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      If you have a supposed husband or boyfriend and he is a FISH and you try pretend you didn't know? YOU DESEEVE WHAT YOU GET FROM HIM IT GIT GIRL WITH SO CALLED MAKES WHO WHERE TIGHTER PANTS AND IN THE GYM ALL NIGHT AROUND MAN BARELY GIT ENERGY FOR YOU.
      • wut (29/06/2016, 14:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        youse a special kind of stupid aint ya.... ok how is that different to u being in a bar all night long dont take care of ur wife or buy ntn for your children but u call yaself a man. go hush ya sc**t ya does probably beat women too cuz u fraid to fight a man. punk bi**h
  • FYI (28/06/2016, 10:40) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    Even in the house of assembly.
  • Buju (28/06/2016, 10:42) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    "boom bye bye"
  • bvi (28/06/2016, 10:43) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    he forget to mention the House of Assembly
  • don't spit in the sky (28/06/2016, 10:43) Like (40) Dislike (2) Reply
    There are also fornicators and pastors getting children out of wedlock.
  • LORRIE (28/06/2016, 10:52) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    MR CLINE PLEASE TRY AND FIX THE HOSPITAL PROBLEM THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT ALSO .AND IF YOU OR ANY ONE THINK IT DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM YOU ARE DEAD WRONG . WHEN SOME OF THE NURSES THINK PATIENTS ARE SLEEPING THEN IS WHEN THEY LET LOOSE WITH THEIR LIPS I HEARD FOR MYSELF .IT IS A SHAME AND THE MINISTER COME ON THE AIR TALKING BULLS .IT IS A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING AND THE SERVICE IS NA.
  • Ivanbay (28/06/2016, 10:52) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
    Homosexuality, Lying, Adultery, Stealing, murder, Disobedient to parents -- they are considered sins, right? And no sin is bigger than the other, right? Well, Pallo, the same steam you give to homosexuality, give the same steam to the other sins. If you are not willing to do that, let the homosexual issue get the same attention as the other sins. It is hypocritical for anyone to condemn one sin over the other. Let the wheat and the tares grow together. The church is no better than those they are trying to condemn. Pastors, having gulfriends in the choir, pastors going on women not their wife, and some refusing to marry because they could get milk free. Man, go siddung with your opinion without "weight."
    • wow (28/06/2016, 12:09) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
      The Bible says the Lord Hates homosexuality.
      • YESYES (28/06/2016, 18:14) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
        The Bible that men wrote says what you said, but the Lord had no talk with the writer of that scripture, therefore the writer said that, not the Lord. Start to think.
      • D'uh (28/06/2016, 21:58) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        The Good Lord made us All, and He (She) Loves us All...

        There are a lot of things that the Lord deplores, I'm sure...but Homosexuality, not one of them.

        • huh (30/06/2016, 09:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          what? who say so? all sin is sin, dont be picking and choosing then saying the lord say what he aint say. then again who is the lord u referring to because alot of people saying lord and it could be the devil himself ayo put over ayo.
      • Read your bible (28/06/2016, 23:01) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        The bible says a lot of stupidness - when last you stoned someone to death for working on the sabbath? When your husband gets in a fight with another man you are (according to the silly book) supposed to grab him by his genitals, there are so many other ridiculous passages, but you only quote according to your own prejudice.
        The best cure for christianity is to read your bible, but the vast majority of you have never actually read the whole thing, but will quote certain passages.
        #Uneducatedfools
      • u jack@ss (29/06/2016, 14:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        god hate all sin, thas why we call u people hypocrites

        Note me not support homosexuals either
    • Yes (28/06/2016, 13:20) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Look like he strike your cord. Just come out the closet already!
  • wow (28/06/2016, 10:58) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    We need to put a stop to it!! Love is love! But these days they are not sticking to one person most of them are undercover!! And then they go spread their nastiness around the place!! Ppl use protection!! And if you're going to be gay come out Soo we can see who you are!!!! Place then small already!!
  • NICK (28/06/2016, 11:00) Like (11) Dislike (13) Reply
    mind your own business mr cline.
  • wize up (28/06/2016, 11:07) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I live to see the day in this territory when you walk in to a gathering and you are 100% man you are the odd person In that room......listen; everyone is entitled to live life with freedom; for sure no one lives in the closet anymore in BVI: this homo ting is wide opened and our young boys and girls embracing it as their lifestyle(live & let live).....
  • Amusing (28/06/2016, 11:09) Like (60) Dislike (5) Reply
    and somehow HE...of all people in the BVI...HE is the expert on moral authority and spiritual decency? hahah good one! If there is ever a week that Gadiethz doesnt touch the topic of homosexuality (which in itself is rather suspect to me)..it wouldnt be a normal week. As for "Bishop" Cline...dude you need to look at your life before you can stand on the pulpit and cast judgement on others or be a beacon of spirituality to others.
    • don't mind he (28/06/2016, 12:28) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      Jamaica got the most botty boys in the caribbean.
    • Strups (28/06/2016, 16:38) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

      Even though he's kinda right, thats like the kettle calling the pot black. Steups!!!!

  • Really! (28/06/2016, 11:17) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    John we got bigger problems than homosexuality!
    • wize up (28/06/2016, 11:58) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ really: those guys have to promote their brand of lifestyle: those episodes of homosexual topics are done simply so those a guys can see how the BVI public truly feels about them.....as one blogger stated these guys harp on that topic at least once each week( just testing the pulse of the community but the strength man dem out numbered in the BVI right now).....a set bisexual boys through the place touching man and woman for sexual pleasure)
  • Roundalongtime (28/06/2016, 11:37) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Anti-ness been around from time I was a lil boy. It had them men who used to like to be in women's melee and cooking sweet food. That's in the days before male chefs. Them men used to chat more melee than women and were comfortable having all ladies as their friends. Well, Mr. Cline, this homosexuality thing is not new, it is just that people are given rights in the law and they are embracing it. Let the people love who they want to love. If you need to know about them, keep a forum and let them tell you who they are inside. If you don't understand homosexuality and think that men just want to burn with lustly diesires for men or women with lustly desires for women, think again and ask one of them to tell you their story. The church can't stop it; nobody can't stop it because it is deep within the individual in a place that can't be erased by someone's preaching. So, Brother, leave the people alone and see if you could find out what is going to be the fate of the Virgin Islands if Britain find itself with it currency below the dollar and if they suddenly tell us in the Virgin Islands to "fend for yourselves." Let us mind our very existence business. The homosexuals we will always have with us, just like the poor. You forget the scripture?
    • wize up (28/06/2016, 12:50) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ around for a long time: back in the day those folks hangout in the closet; those folks were on the down-low BUT in today's BVI them openly walking around in their bow ties, big rim glasses and tight pants: man you can find them in all walks of society throughout this territory in the pulpit and in politics handing out big money to our young brothers and sisters for sexual favors !!!
  • weed (28/06/2016, 11:38) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    go away john
  • .... (28/06/2016, 11:59) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    Looks as if he has forgotten about himself.
  • sodom and gomara (28/06/2016, 12:29) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    GAYS RUN THINGS!
  • HMMM..... (28/06/2016, 12:41) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't throw stones when you live in a glass house Pastor Cline... The truth will come out.
  • Me Me (28/06/2016, 12:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope you are not casting stones .read the bible not man words
  • i from here (28/06/2016, 13:16) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Homosexuality is a sin right ?

    So is killing, stealing, white collar crime, adultery, fornication, breeding members of the church, divorcing a spouse when they didn't commit adultery etc, so just don't condemn some sin and leave the others to get away!
  • tretretrete (28/06/2016, 14:05) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sin is sin but what makes it bad is when sinner act like Saint and then judge sinner. Remember the story with publician and pharasie .
  • Wellsah (28/06/2016, 14:31) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is this a distraction from the issues at the hospital?
    • @wellsah (28/06/2016, 15:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      I say to u sin is not sin.. ..Some sins are greater Don't believe everything you hear or everything you read..Think for yourself..Lots of the stuff we read and been told are meant to deceive us, control us and keep us ignorant
      • tretretrete (29/06/2016, 08:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Sin is sin the consequences are different . You don't be fool
  • Clyne is courageous.. (28/06/2016, 15:23) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    No Sins bigger than the other...Nonsense... If no sin bigger than the other how come murderers are put to death..How come a whole city was destroyed because of Gayizm.? .Let's use our brain and Think..Gayizm is an abominable sin. Which means--there is no justification whatsoever for such act... God expect man in his human body and imperfections to commit all the other sins and set and set aside forgiveness the ten commandments clear states what those forgiveable sins are...There is no Compromise for Gayizm. Its not only wrong in every way. Its nasty.
    • wize up (28/06/2016, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ cline is courageous: there is difference between sin and crime; murder is a serious crime that carries a death penality on some regions
      • wondering (02/07/2016, 09:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Soo let's say gay is a sin in the eyes of God. Is that why he commited a crime and destroyed a whole city called Sodom and Gomorrah? Then turn around and say as it was in the beginning, so it will be in the days of his return? Man with man, woman with woman, giving up the natural of the flesh to do the unseemly and God had given them up to their own reprobate minds? Huh?
  • love ur analogy Pastor (28/06/2016, 15:28) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    If sigar isn't sweet or salt has lost its Flavour they are useless...Amen. Mr. Clyne ..Say no more..Most of us know that most of these preachers are useless and lead their flock or herd a stray.. Their only concern about power and greed....Not God work.
  • WELP (28/06/2016, 15:40) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    "The Bible prohibits homosexual intercourse but does not treat it as one of the major sins. There are only 7 Bible passages on this topic, and it is not one of the major sins mentioned in the Ten Commandments or by Jesus. (In comparison, the sin of hatred is mentioned 21 times, lying and false testimony 30, greed, avarice and covetousness 40, theft 42, adultery 52, murder 57, self-righteousness 79, and idolatry 169 times.) When read in context, a majority of the Bible passages refer to specific homosexual practices which violate other important Bible prohibitions such as idolatry, rape, prostitution or pederasty."

    http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_homosexuality.htm

    • abomination (28/06/2016, 17:20) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      You can rationalize it however you want to. It's ABOMINABLE just like your post
      • WELP (28/06/2016, 22:07) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        Well according to your demeanor, the bible is not supposed to "rationalized" it's just supposed to be taken as fact. If that's the case, then your God didn't give two shit about homosexuality cause clearly if he did he would have made it a bigger issue in his teachings and preachings. The only time he cares to address homosexual behavior is to dissuade man from committing other sins.
        In fact, the only people who have continued to make homosexuality a big deal are heterosexual people. You all have demonized this one sin more than others, though God has made it clear that all sins are created equally. So to spell it out for you, heterosexuals have made the only sin in the bible that they know that they can never commit the worst sin of them all in order to appease their own guilt about committing the other sins that the bible clearly holds in higher contempt.
  • nolilONESmeansdeath!!!! (28/06/2016, 16:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ask the homo male or female, if they were place on a planet with only homo men, one planet and a separate planet for only home women what would happen. The fact that they can't reproduce says it all!!!
  • Grassroot (28/06/2016, 16:40) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply

    Mr cline check your life first 

  • church (28/06/2016, 18:12) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    who the cap fit let them wear it
  • Hmm (28/06/2016, 21:18) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I'm sure he's on the down low. I heard about you... the gays are waiting for you at the door /tilts head
  • Let me be brief (28/06/2016, 21:59) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    This article is the definition of irony.

    Interpret it as you wish.
  • ann (28/06/2016, 23:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You have been tried and tested so there is no need to try prove yourself John
  • tretretrete (29/06/2016, 11:12) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lead by example, Cline; lead by example! I find it interesting that you speak of this when your church is the most vibrant of all. And like others have already stated, all sins are created equal.
  • Yes (29/06/2016, 11:53) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    You have to love Napoleon, he got guts for so.
  • ? (29/06/2016, 12:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have you all forgotten?
  • Looking into the wrong things.............. (29/06/2016, 15:08) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    De head of the hospital need to check into the 4 Africans who were operating as medical doctors when they were really veterinarians. Is only when they went to look work Antigua when they figure it out. VINO how this one slip ayo boy? Them got vets operating and dealing with the 'animals' of these islands in dem state of the art hospital. well sah. Thing to talk.
    • Rebel X (29/06/2016, 16:59) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
      You telling the public that we have veterinarian doctors in the Virgin Islands’ Hospitals acting in the capacity of certified medical doctors? I know we are easily persuaded into “Get Rich Quick Pyramid Schemes,” but this sh@@t has really hit the fan! How do we really go about vetting these people? Talk more…
      • Trump (29/06/2016, 20:49) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
        You can never trust those Nigerians out of Africa; they are capable of presenting anything for qualifications. Anything there, can be bought on the Black Market, don't fail for their SCAMS. Secure your Borders!
  • sit down (29/06/2016, 21:33) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    sit down cline.....and too much people making kids with without married taking over your c****h!
  • Yes (30/06/2016, 08:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He will know that he is the biggest one here ...
  • Shame Shame Shame (30/06/2016, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's Sad that those three churches walked out! That is a crying shame!!!!!!
  • Warrior (02/07/2016, 20:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is sad that my beloved country and people have lost sight of their creator and because of the increase in sin have convinced themselves that wrong is right and right is wrong.

    Homosexuality was not mentioned a lot in the bible but when it was, God stepped in and destroyed those affiliated with the abomination. Every where this spirit goes it takes over. Well educated men and women are the main target because the intention of the spirit is to control and take over.

    It is our duty not to turn a blind eye on this abominable act beginning from our pastors and leaders. We must stop this unholy alliance and consecrate out country from the desecration or else we have to watch out for destruction from the one and only God, our creator and deliverer. Who are we to pick a fight with God. The repercussions we are not ready for.

    Wake up! We have fallen asleep!
  • Listenplease (04/07/2016, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't you understand that our lifestyle is not one of choice, it is one of naturalness. It is unnatural for us to go with the opposite sex. Nothing in us awakens for the opposite sex. No hard on for women, and no sexual feeling if a man comes around a woman. When are you going to understand it from our view? We are not talking about bi-sexual-ness; we are talking about having natural feelings of love for our own sex. That is what feels natural. Stop driving up where we cannot function. When we have our own mate, we do not want the opposite sex, so you are safe letting us be who we truly are.


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