Gay group 'saddened' by Elton's comments

Elton John's bitter rant at how organised religion promotes hatred of homosexuals has upset a pro-gay church group.

The Candle in the Wind singer, who 'married' his longtime partner David Furnish in a civil ceremony in Britain last year, claimed organised religion only works to chastise homosexuality and convince people it is wrong.

"Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays," he said. "I would ban religion completely."

"Organised religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."

But his outburst has saddened Reverend Giles Fraser from the Inclusive Church, a pro-gay group in the Church of England, who believes the singer's comments are a popular 'misconception' in the gay community.

"I'm sad because it deepens the perception that the church is intrinsically homophobic," said Fraser. "I don't believe it is homophobic, I believe that's a mistaken interpretation. And (Elton John's comments) don't help those struggling to change that perception."