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LGBT pupils get Bishop's support

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Bishop of Manchester speaks out

Friday, 10 April 2009

The Bishop of Manchester the Rt. Revd Nigel McCulloch has sent a resounding message of support to Exceeding Expectations: a Manchester initiative that goes into the city's secondary schools to tackle homophobic bullying.

According to research undertaken by the gay rights organisation Stonewall: 65 per cent of young lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils have experienced direct bullying at school. This number is worse in faith schools, with 75 per cent of young gay people reporting homophobic bullying.

The Stonewall statistics highlight how vital it is for anti homophobic bullying initiatives like Exceeding Expectations to be promoted in all schools, but especially in faith schools.

The Bishop of Manchester's message of support highlights understanding between all God's people, and stresses the responsibility that all schools have to challenge homophobia

The Reverend McCulloch states: "Bullying, of whatever kind, is always completely unacceptable. At its worst it leads to atrocities such as the Nazis' persecution and extermination of people on the grounds of their race, religion or sexuality.

"That is why faith schools must, as many do, lead the way in combating bullying - and not least the bullying of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, be they young or old.

"Projects such as Exceeding Expectations have shown, in its efforts to get rid of homophobic bullying in our schools, the children who are bullied can be deeply scarred for life.

"That is why school staff should know how to challenge homophobic remarks - including the use of the word "gay" as a term of abuse. Teachers may need specific advice about this aspect of their role, because it is their job to affirm all pupils. That includes gay, lesbian and bisexual pupils, who, like everyone else, have a right to be themselves without being bullied.

"The Bishop ended his message of support with a direct appeal to faith schools to open up to initiatives like Exceeding Expectations, which challenge homophobic bullying and promote understanding.

"I urge all faith schools to make sure that every pupil is fully included as part of the school community and encouraged in his or her studies. Each of us is made in God's own image; and every one of us is precious to God. That should be the motivation of all our faith schools: to honour all people, including those who identify themselves as lesbian and gay.

"To read the Bishop of Manchester's full message of support for Exceeding Expectations, visit www.exceedingexpectations.org.uk