In two preparatory committees yesterday, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) took three major steps towards full inclusion and support for LGBT people in their church, and worldwide. These have yet to be ratified by the full assembly, but the…
Tag Archive for LGBT
The Tragic Double Meaning for “Ugandan Martyrs”
For queer Christians, the phrase “Ugandan Martyrs” carries a tragic double meaning. In Catholic hagiography, it refers to the execution / martyrdom in 1886 of a band of young men, pages in the Royal court of the Bugandan King Mwanga…
How Can There be Frank Discussion, in a Climate of Fear?
Ever since his election last year, Pope Francis has caught the popular imagination with his message of inclusion, mercy and hope. This has been particularly notable, for LBGT Catholics, beginning with the celebrated simple line, “Who am I to judge?”…
‘The Third Way’: A Depressing Study in Catholic, Ex-Gay Propaganda.
When I wrote recently about my anger at a video on a supposed “Third Way” in Catholic teaching on homosexuality that has been widely praised by some (conservative) Catholic writers, I knew nothing at all about the background to the…
IDAHO: “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you”
IDAHO (the day) refers to International Day Against Homophobia, which will be commemorated this Saturday, 17th May. In London, the major faith event to mark the day will be the workshops “Living in Prophetic Hope“, at St Martin in the…
German Bishop Declares Support for Gay Civil Unions, Says Sexual Doctrines Must Change.
The bishop of Trier, Stephan Ackermann, is the latest Catholic bishop to acknowledge that while the Church cannot approve of gay marriage, it should accept the value of same - sex civil unions. As far as homosexual relationships were concerned,…
Major Religious Leader OKs Homosexuality, Gay Marriage
We must never forget that while the countries outside of Europe and Nothern America appear to be “behind” the rest of the world in LGBT equality, this is deceptive. It was the European missionaries and colonial authorities that introduced homophobia…
LGBT Church History: Queer Saints, Sinners and Martyrs
At the University of East Anglia this week, I spoke to an attentive audience on “Queer Saints, Sinners and Martyrs in Church History”. I am now attempting to put the complete presentation on - line, in full audio-visual format, but that’s…
Church of England Bishops Statement on the Church and Same - Sex Marriage: “Anything BUT Pastora!”
The (British) Centre for the Study of Christianity and Sexuality has replied to the Church of England Bishops’ statement on gay marriage and the Church, by stating that it is ANYTHING BUT PASTORAL! CSCS calls on pro same-sex marriage Bishops…
Catholic Priest Urges LGBT Protection in Trinidad Constitution.
It’s not only in Europe and North America that we have increasing support from faith communities for LGBT equality. There is progress too in Africa and the Caribbean, although from a weaker base and greater hurdles still to overcome. In…
