- By Chelsea Bailey
- BBC News, Washington
2 hours ago
Image Credit, The King’s Singers/Handout
A Grammy-winning a cappella group said a Florida Christian college abruptly canceled a performance because of the sexuality of some of its members.
The King’s Singers, based in Cambridge, UK, said they were given just two hours notice of Pensacola Christian College’s (PCC) decision to cancel last Saturday’s performance.
PCC said one performer “maintained a lifestyle contrary to Scripture.”
The college defended its “sincerely held beliefs”.
“The college cannot knowingly give an endorsement, implied or direct, of anything contrary to scripture, the basis of our righteous beliefs,” the school said in a statement.
“PCC canceled a concert with The King’s Singers after learning that one of the artists was openly cultivating a lifestyle contrary to Scripture.”
In a statement released to social media on Monday, The King’s Singers said the incident marked the first time in their 55-year history that a performance had been canceled at short notice.
“It has become clear to us from a flurry of correspondence from students and members of the public that these concerns concern the sexuality of members of our group,” the British group said.
“We believe that music can build a common language that allows people with different views and perspectives to come together,” it said.
The group also said they had previously performed in college without issue and are aware of the school’s fundamentalist Christian background.
“We look forward to seeing our friends in North Florida again soon, in a context where we are celebrated for who we are and the music we make.”
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The college statement said the group “received full compensation” even though the show did not go ahead.
When asked about the reasons for its decision, it declined to provide any further information.
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Pensacola Christian College is a Christian school with approximately 4,000 students in Northwest Florida.
The school “educates students based on biblical values,” according to its website.
“Pensacola Christian College maintains a Christian-traditional educational philosophy in contrast to humanistic, progressive educational systems.
“This philosophy is based on the Word of God and, unlike relativism, is rooted in objective reality and the absolute.”
A section on the school’s website states, “Scripture forbids all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexuality.”
Winner of Best Crossover Classic Album at the 2009 Grammys, The King’s Singers have confirmed their plans to continue their North American tour with performances in Canada this week.