Changing Attitude Ireland welcomes the Parish of Celbridge and Straffan with Newcastle-Lyons to the growing community of Open and Welcoming Congregations, welcoming and including LGBTQIA+ people and their families fully in every part of our Church life. Both of the select vestries recently adopted the Open and Welcoming Congregations Charter and this Sunday it was launched by the rector and a number of parishioners along with Changing Attitude Chairperson and Celbridge parishioner Mark Bowyer.
Parishes that register as Open and Welcoming agree to the following:
We promote trust and understanding amongst heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ parishioners.
We seek to include LGBTQIA+ people and their families at every level of parish life, welcoming not only their presence but all they have to offer.
We do not make the assumption that everyone is heterosexual, whether in conversation, preaching, or in the prayers of the church.
We are upfront in our welcome for LGBTQIA+ people and same-sex couples.
We recognise committed same-sex unions at social events, in church services and other aspects of Church life.
We welcome clergy regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
if you would like to become an Open and Welcoming Congregation, we would be delighted to support you to do so. See our page here or drop an email by clicking here.
