Christian manifesto attacking ‘homosexual immorality’ signed by Donald Trump advisers

Critics including LGBT activists said it was 'callous beyond words' to release the doctrine in the wake of violence in Charlottesville by ultra-right groups

Televangelist James Robison, who is a member of President Trump's evangelical advisory board, was among the 150 Christian conservatives who signed the manifesto in Nashville (YouTube)

A so-called religious manifesto that attacks “homosexual immorality" has been signed by more than 150 conservative Christian leaders in the US, including advisers to Donald Trump.

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood laid out their 14 beliefs on sex and relationships in a thinly veiled swipe at “foolish”, liberal views taking hold in Western countries.

It included a decree stating that marriage is between a man and a woman only, in an overt condemnation of same-sex unions.

The group issued its manifesto in the hope pastors and leaders will adopt their values to give “gracious guidance” to their people.

LGBT activists said their statement released in the wake of violence by the ultra-right in Charlottesville was “callous beyond words”.

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood issued its manifesto in Nashville, Tennessee, where evangelical leaders, pastors and scholars gathered for their annual conference.

"Our true identity, as male and female persons, is given by God. It is not only foolish, but hopeless, to try to make ourselves what God did not create us to be," the statement from the coalition members read.

In a press release, John Piper, co-founder of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, called the Nashville Statement a "Christian manifesto" on human sexuality.

"It speaks with forthright clarity, biblical conviction, gospel compassion, cultural relevance, and practical helpfulness," Mr Piper said. "It will prove to be, I believe, enormously helpful for thousands of pastors and leaders hoping to give wise, biblical, and gracious guidance to their people."

Christian author Jen Hatmaker warned the so-called Nashville Statement was harmful to homosexuals and their families.

She tweeted: "If the fruit of doctrine regularly & consistently creates shame, self-harm, suicide, & broken hearts, families, & churches, we shld listen."

Ms Hatmaker added “If the fruit of the "Nashville Statement" is suffering, rejection, shame, and despair. The timing is callous beyond words.”

Pastor Brandan Robertson of Mission Gathering Christian Church in San Diego, who is an LGBT activist, called the statement an affront to God's creative design.

"When your theology breeds death, your theology is not of God," he tweeted.

Televangelist James Robison, is one of a number of members of Mr Trump's evangelical advisory board who were among the 150 Christian conservatives who signed the manifesto.

The US President has faced heavy criticism after comments about violence waged mostly by ultra-right wing groups in Charlottesville, that left one woman dead.

Mr Trump failed to immediately denounce the trouble – and later said there were “very fine people” on both sides of the protests.