Chorlton Central Church

Gay Pride provides an opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to let their hair down (or bank it up) and be outrageous for a day, entertain the masses, be totally extrovert and provoke conservative Christians into ‘disgusted of Tunbridge Wells’ mode.

But of course not all Christians feel like that. There are many, like Central, who are proud to be inclusive. The Christian presence on the 2009 Parade was organised by the Anglican group “Changing Attitudes”, and many different denominations were represented.

We may have felt sad that there was only 30 of us, but it was good that there were 30 of us, and included some members from Central. “Do justly, love mercy” was the wording on our banner.

It was both great fun to be Christians walking with Pride, and a privilege to be alongside the gay and lesbian community. It was so important to have a supportive Christian presence there, as churches do not generally have a great track record when it comes to the issue of differing sexual orientations. This was made all too clear by a Christian group standing by, protesting against the parade.

During the closing HIV/AIDS vigil at the end the weekend, one of the speakers announced (and it needs to be noted that he is not a Christian):
“Present at the parade where those Christians who tell us that it's wrong for us to love each other, while shaking their bibles at us.
But there were some Christians walking with us in the parade, waving right back at them.”
This announcement was greeted with loud cheers and applause.

I, for one, am proud and moved to be part of the group of Christians who earned those cheers and applause.

Revd Sarah Brewerton

revised 25 September 2009