Phillip Schofield shared his support to a This Morning viewer who called into the show for some advice. The presenter was hosting Wednesday's show alongside co-host Holly Willoughby.
The hosting duo were joined on the popular ITV daytime programme by Deidre Sanders for her latest Dear Deidre phone-in where she once again offered to help viewers with their problems.
But during the segment, a heartfelt moment occurred when a caller, named as Rachel to hide her identity, revealed her worries about losing her friends and being removed from her church if she forms a new romantic relationship with a woman. She explained that the faith group was "very disapproving" of homosexuality or "anything that isn't conventional".
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Holly, 41, shook her head as Rachel continued: "I've had relationships with women when I was younger. I'm in my late 30s now and then I sort of settled for heterosexual relationships. But over the last few months I've met a lady who I'd really like to develop a relationship with.
"And pretty much 90% of my friends are people from church. So I know if I did pursue this relationship and it became public knowledge - which I don't see why I should have to hide it - not only would I risk getting thrown out of church but also leaving all those friendships..."
Getting an opportunity to have his say, Phillip, 60, commented: "So in 2022, your church and faith group would throw you out?" Rachel replied: "Absolutely," before Phil continued: "Well, what's the point in being involved in a world like that?"
"That's exactly how I feel," Rachel admitted. Phil, who came out himself at the start of 2020, continued: "This is where religion drives me insane! For all the wonderful goodness it does, that aspect - that medieval aspect - which could step in the way. And surely, if there was a god, that god would want you to find some sort of happiness? And be loving? And I truly, truly believe those people aren't worth knowing!"
"I believe God is loving and forgiving, I don’t see it as something he would personally punish me for, I think there are a lot worse things that happen on a daily basis," Rachel said as Phil added: "I understand within a group like that, that there some of these things are extremely hard to get your head around, to understand, to adapt to, to evolve to. I understand that. What I can't get is that you would actually lose your friends and lose your church."
Deidre acknowledged that Rachel was clearly torn, but that she was repressing a huge part of herself in order to please others.
Advising she reach out to other groups who may be more supportive, Holly said: "There is no badness here," before Phil added: "It would be wonderful to be able to weave your faith in your sexuality. Life is so short, be happy, as happy as you can. It’s time."
