Objections to gay marriage and condemnation of homosexuality by the churches and particularly the Greek Orthodox Church raise some interesting inconsistencies.

Firstly, the Church preaches peace, love and benevolence yet it does not extend them to gays. Rather it seems to use hate and condemnation. It seems somewhat strange and un-Christian to condemn people on the basis of their love for others, albeit of the same sex.

Secondly, the Greek Orthodox Church equates “Greek-ness” with Orthodox Christianity. It was supposed that you could not be Greek if you were not Orthodox Christian.

While it is true that the overwhelming majority of Greeks are also Greek Orthodox Christians – at least nominally – and most modern Greeks claim the ancient Greek heritage as their own, yet ancient Greek practices are at odds with the beliefs of the Church.

Homosexuality was common in aristocratic ancient Greek culture. Achilles, Patroclos, Solon, Themistocles, Aristides, Socrates, Alcibiades, to mention but a few, are known to have indulged. So let’s not sweep it under the carpet.

Thirdly, celibacy in the higher echelons of the church and in monasteries has the unintended consequence of appealing to males who are either not attracted to females or in some cases predominantly attracted to  males.

In such circumstances homosexuality is practicedand although kept secret is even tolerated. It reminds one of the comical USA military policy on gays of “Don’t ask, don’t tell”.

Name withheld at request of author