Hi,
I'm sorry to hear about the death of your friend. I agree that religion should not, make you feel bad for being gay. I'm sorry he couldn't come to terms with it. My brother (now passed) was gay - even though I was a little disappointed at first, I quickly got over it and I loved him unconditionally. I believe homosexuals are born this way, just as heterosexuals are. I don't practice my religion in a formal sense. I like to think I have a personal connection- and I do that by trying to be a good person.
I wish people were more accepting. My daughters 11 yrs and the popular thing right now is calling others gay. No one says "oh you're heterosexual, as an insult - right?" Sorry again for your friend - sad he was made to feel bad for who he was.