A motion was unanimously passed at vestry in February 2024 to formally declare ourselves as an LGBTQ2+ Affirming Church!
What does “Affirming” mean?
- “Welcoming and affirming” is the common language that we in the queer faith community use to demonstrate that a church not only recognizes that LGBTQ people deserve respect, but also the affirmation that they are equally loved by God regardless of who they love or how they identify with their gender.” (Sam Briton, “The difference between an affirming church and a welcoming church is huge”)
- “Affirming Ministries are communities of faith […] that publicly declare their commitment to inclusion and justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Although Affirming Ministries make an explicit statement about issues of sexuality and gender, their commitment to justice is far broader. They continually grow and change as they seek to live more fully into God‘s way of welcome, love, and justice for all creation. Just as God rejoices in the goodness and diversity of creation, so too Affirming Ministries honour and celebrate diversity.” (United Church of Canada)
What steps have we already taken on our journey toward becoming an Affirming Church?
- September 2022 — “Affirming Church” is added as a standing item for discussion on the Advisory Board meeting agendas
- January, 2023 — Reverend Dana writes a piece for the News from the Pews and for her weekly greeting/reflection (“Tolerate, Accept, Affirm, Ally“) inviting the congregation to consider what it might look like to be an LGBTQ2+ Affirming Church. A drop-box is introduced for comments and questions
- May 28, 2023 — The congregation is invited to a conversation about identity and being an affirming congregation.
- November 12, 2023 — Kit Woods speaks to the congregation about why being affirming is important and why we need to know what we are saying when we say we are affirming. That it is more than being a welcoming place. It is being an explicitly safe place, especially for those who have been hurt by Christianity and Christians in the past. A place where people can experience the overwhelming love of God that celebrates who they are.
Why is this such a big deal?
“Some may question whether this is an issue the church should be involved in. The reality is the Church is already involved, as there are those who are claiming Christian values as they espouse hatred and attack the rights of others. For those of us who hold a different perspective we need to speak out so that they are not the only voice of the Church being heard and seen. It is not a matter of who can shout louder, but demonstrating our support and compassion to those who need it especially at this time. As those who have promised to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being, we have an obligation to speak out when we see and hear injustice and hateful rhetoric that targets vulnerable people.
As we continue to talk about what it would or could look like for us to be an Affirming Congregation, I think that this is one example, speaking out so that those who are targeted, who may not feel safe elsewhere know that we are a safe space, a place that says you are free to be who you are and we accept you and love you. By doing this I think we also present an alternative, positive image of the Church to those who have been condemned and targeted in the name of Jesus and the Church, who have been hurt by the Church. While we may not yet be in a position to speak and act as a congregation, we can respond as individuals and proclaim that there is no place for hate and actively seek to counter the hate that we encounter in our society.” (From Rev. Dana’s Sept 14 reflection on government policies that require schools to inform parents when their children express a desire to use a different name or pronouns at school)
What might it look like to be an LGBTQ2+ Affirming Church?
- Speak and act as a congregation and proclaim that there is no place for hate and actively seek to counter the hate that we encounter in our society
- Be listed on the “Proud Anglicans” website as an Inclusive Anglican Church, where lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people can be sure they’ll receive a welcome.
- Display a prominently visible symbol in the church building and/or on the church sign indicating that we are an LGBTQ2+ positive space
- Apply to walk in the York Pride Parade
- Become aware of and modify gendered language in the worship service (for example, Reverend Dana already refers to “siblings in Christ” and replaces “male and female you created us” with “in all our diversity you created us”)
- Hopefully attract an increasing number of LGBTQ2+ parishioners!
Trinity Anglican Church, Bradford 