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Christian Objections to Same-Sex Relationships: An Academic Assessment

Theologians challenge homophobia & signal a time for change: The Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research’s new report: “Christian Objections to Same-Sex Relationships: An Academic Assessment” “For decades the bible has been used to justify discrimination against same-sex relationships. This new study presents ground-breaking research showing that the biblical verses so long held to condemn those…… Continue reading Christian Objections to Same-Sex Relationships: An Academic Assessment

Blood on its Hands: The Church and LGBT Youth by Carol Shepherd

I was fortunate enough to be offered an advanced copy of this book by the author. The keynote speaker at the 2019 Gathering Voices conference ‘Extending the Table’, Carol Shepherd, an academic, has an impressive publications portfolio. In this book she challenges ‘the Christian church’ to consider the all-too-well documented negative impacts of its teaching…… Continue reading Blood on its Hands: The Church and LGBT Youth by Carol Shepherd

What can the Catholic Church learn from LGBT+ people of faith during the pandemic?

The Centre for Catholic Social Thought and Practice, an organisation based at Durham University that seeks to bring academic theologians and practitioners within Catholic organisations into dialogue, is curating a series of blog articles recording the insights and experiences of Catholic keyworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series aims to be a resource for…… Continue reading What can the Catholic Church learn from LGBT+ people of faith during the pandemic?

Jesus spat on the ground

In many parts of the world, including the West, spitting is widely frowned upon as rude, a health hazard and a social taboo, while in other parts it is considered as socially acceptable. At the age of twelve my father’s job was at risk and the choice open to him was either to take the…… Continue reading Jesus spat on the ground

New Ways Ministry launches “Journeys”

J O U R N E Y S “I tell you now that I will lead you out of your oppression… to a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:17) A Scripture Reflection Series for LGBT People and Allies JOURNEYS is an invitation to walk with our ancestors, discover the great source of love,…… Continue reading New Ways Ministry launches “Journeys”

“Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness”

Do these words of Jesus offend our sense of justice and fairness? Jesus uses them in the parable of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22:2-14). Those invited to the banquet not only refuse to come, they make light of the invitation and even kill the king’s servants who delivered the invitations. So, the king sends…… Continue reading “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness”

Faith in Solidarity: European Forum 2017 in Gdansk.

Many people of a certain age will recall the central role of Gdansk in the story of Polish resistance to communist rule. As the birthplace of the Solidarity movement and the base of its leader, Lech Walesa, it filled our television news screens often enough throughout the 1980’s. As a gay Catholic, I am struck…… Continue reading Faith in Solidarity: European Forum 2017 in Gdansk.

Parable of the Gay Samaritan

Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 10: 25 -37) tells us the familiar story of the Good Samaritan. At his personal blog a few years ago, Fr Geoff Farrow published a post called Delivery “Salvation”, in which he describes an encounter with two young men who came to his door attempting to deliver some salvation, in the form of a…… Continue reading Parable of the Gay Samaritan

Watch: Matthew Vines, “God and the Gay Christian” [VIDEO]

Continue reading Watch: Matthew Vines, “God and the Gay Christian” [VIDEO]

“Traditional Biblical Values” – Rev Susan Russell Sermon (Video)

In the Episcopal Church (and wider Anglican communion), the next to last Sunday of the year is known as “Bible Sunday”, with a collect that reads: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may…… Continue reading “Traditional Biblical Values” – Rev Susan Russell Sermon (Video)