THE Church of Ireland Gazette is calling for “breathing space” in the row over gay clergy. The call follows the revelation that the openly gay Dean of Leighlin, Tom Gordon, entered into a same-sex civil partnership in July. The Gazette, edited by Canon Ian Ellis, stated in its editorial that while civil partnership is not a marriage, “and does not necessarily involve same-sex sexual expression, there is a very wide perception that it is a form of gay marriage, and perceptions are often as important as facts”. [Continue Reading]
Carlow Nationalist: Cleric’s same-sex union makes history
6 September 2011
HISTORY is often made by taking little steps, and a County Carlow-based Church of Ireland cleric has inscribed his name in the annals. The Very Rev Tom Gordon, dean of St Laserian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin has entered into a same-sex civil partnership with his partner of 20 years. The union is set to make history as it is understood Rev Gordon’s partnership is the first same-sex union for a serving Church of Ireland cleric. [Continue Reading]
Report: LGBT Communities’ Experiences of Faith and Church in Northern Ireland
1 September 2011
Irish Peace Centers
This is the seventh paper in the IPC Experiential Learning series and it contains the personal stories of up to 20 members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community who responded to a public call from Irish Peace Centres for stories. The paper is a conversation about diversity and a conversation which wider society frequently finds difficult to engage in. It should be read with care and the respect that any first person reflection deserves. I salute the commitment and courage of the respondents who told their stories for the purpose of investing an often controversial discussion with real life stories of their faith, their life and their hopes. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Telegraph: God save us if this religious lunacy is allowed to triumph
3 August 2011
Jim Allister is on the warpath again. This time, he’s riled because a marcher in the Pride parade held up a sign saying ‘Jesus had two dads and he turned out fine’. Jim’s already been on to the Parades Commission and the police and he wants the Pride organisers to be held to account for this “blasphemous” placard. Yet this poster had none of the dumb, provocative crudity of the sign reading ‘Jesus is a fag’ carried by a marcher in the 2006 parade. [Continue Reading]
Photo: Changing Attitude Ireland at Belfast Pride 2011
30 July 2011
Changing Attitude Ireland supporters at Belfast Pride 2011. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Telegraph: Advances made but the fight for rights not over
29 July 2011
Tomorrow sees the 21st annual Belfast Gay Pride Parade. From nervous and tiny beginnings, it has become a bold and loud celebration appealing to all ages and outlooks (bar one), adding another bright touch to Belfast in July. Its family-friendly carnival alongside the Lagan Lookout on Saturday afternoon is free, and open to all who want to share our enjoyment. Despite the glamour and glitz, the Pride Festival with its numerous events during this week remains true to our concerns for human rights and the future prospects of all GLBT people, and for our society in general. It is also a showcase for the community’s varied artistic and cultural talents. [Continue Reading]
Photo: Changing Attitude Ireland supporters at Dublin Pride 2011
25 June 2011
Nine members and supporters walked behind the Changing Attitude Ireland banner in Dublin Gay Pride Parade on Saturday 25th June 2011. This was CAI’s first participation in Dublin Pride. [Continue Reading]
Canon Hilary Wakeman’s IDAHO 2011 sermon in Cork, “We are all different”
15 May 2011
The Bible – or at least, certain passages of it – is used to defend discrimination against same-sex relationships, regardless of the fact that those writings are thousands of years old, coming from a time and a culture that was also against the eating of shellfish and the trimming of beards. It is odd that such Old Testament injunctions would appear to have more power over some Christians than the clear example that Jesus sets of total inclusivity, accepting all people and even giving preference to those whom others have rejected. Jesus never mentions same-sex relationships. One of Paul’s epistles does, but it is clear that Paul believes all people are heterosexual, and so if they are engaging in homosexual activity they are only doing it out of naughtiness. [Continue Reading]
IDAHO service 2011: “Challenging homophobia at home and abroad”
15 May 2011
Welcome to our service on IDAHO Day 2011 – International Day Against Homophobia. At this time each year we join with brothers and sisters throughout the world who are concerned that Christian conscience cannot accept that God’s love embraces only heterosexuals. This afternoon in St George’s we are united with others in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick in welcoming and accepting our family members and friends who are gay or lesbian. The theme of our service is —“Challenging homophobia at home and abroad.” [Continue Reading]
