South Korea’s Methodist Church has excommunicated a pastor for advocating gay rights, according to a church verdict obtained Tuesday by AFP. Nearly a quarter of South Korea’s population of 51 million are Christian and the religious community holds significant political sway, with many evangelicals staunchly opposing gay rights. Gay marriage is not recognised in South Korea, social pressure keeps many people from being open about their sexuality, and Seoul’s annual Pride celebration attracts vicious Christian-led opposition.