CONTROVERSIAL Christian MP Fred Nile
yesterday became the first minister to quit the Uniting Church in protest at
its move to ordain openly gay priests.
The ultra-conservative leader of the Christian Democratic
Party in New South Wales and long-time critic of the gay community spent the
weekend praying for the church -- but in the end decided to leave it.
The Rev Nile, who was ordained when the Uniting Church was formed in 1976, gave his last sermon on Sunday on the state's south coast.
Conservative elements are warning the church is close to a split despite the overwhelming landmark vote last Thursday of its national assembly to allow openly homosexual clergy.
"They should not be ordained as ministers and bishops, the Bible condemns homosexuality," Mr Nile said.
"The Uniting Church has thrown the Bible out the window. It's become a man-based church instead of a Bible-based church. It has become a new sect."
Mr Nile will return to the Fellowship of Congregational Churches