Nigerian actress Juliana Olayode has called on Christians to uphold biblical teachings on sexuality, arguing that identifying as gay or queer conflicts with the Christian faith.
Olayode made her position known in an Instagram post in which she urged the Church to address teachings she believes contradict Scripture, warning that such messages could influence adults, teenagers and children.
She called on Christian leaders to return to biblical teachings, live by their convictions and resist what she described as compromises driven by cultural influences.
The actress also questioned whether believers were allowing Scripture to guide their convictions or interpreting it to accommodate personal desires.
However, Olayode stressed that her position was not intended to promote hatred or harm against people who identify as gay, homosexual or queer.
She said she did not wish death or misfortune on anyone because of their sexuality, adding that every person deserved to be treated with love.
According to the actress, Christians could love people without necessarily agreeing with their beliefs or lifestyles when these conflict with their interpretation of Scripture.
To support her position, Olayode cited Genesis 1:27, which describes the creation of humanity as male and female, and Matthew 19:4-6, in which Jesus refers to the creation account in discussing marriage.
She maintained that Christians who regard God as their Creator should allow His Word, rather than personal desires, to serve as the ultimate authority for their beliefs and conduct.
Olayode has previously spoken publicly on Christian values and issues relating to the Church, attracting attention for her views on faith and social matters.
