The Revd. Mervyn Kingston (Secretary of CAI) explained to the Hard Gospel Committee that Changing Attitude Ireland (CAI) is an all-Ireland network of Christian persons, gay and straight, lay and ordained, working for the full affirmation of gay and lesbian persons in the Church of Ireland. The Revd. Kingston advised that CAI articulates a liberal perspective on gay and lesbian inclusion, a perspective which he believes is shared by a substantial and growing proportion of persons in the Church of Ireland from lay people to Bishops, but which because of the sensitivity around this issue in Ireland, was largely only expressed publicly by courageous individuals until the formation of Changing Attitude Ireland. [Continue Reading]
Sunday Life: Dear Fiona – Afraid of how parents will react to my gay ‘secret’
12 October 2008
“I seem to have everything. I’m a university student who has always excelled and I never have a shortage of female attention. I’m extremely close to my parents, who have strong Christian beliefs. The problem is I’m gay. I’ve always known but am too afraid to tell my parents. They are now constantly asking when am I going to bring a girlfriend home? I feel like living as a straight man as it will break their hearts to know the truth.” [Continue Reading]
Diocesan Magazine: Message from the Bishop
1 September 2008
As I write the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops from all over the world is just concluding in a very sultry Canterbury. It has been a demanding yet fascinating three weeks, enriched by so many personal encounters and conversations. It has also been a genuine opportunity for bishops to receive in-service theological training for our distinctive ministry in terms of leading and equipping the people of God for mission today. [Continue Reading]
Belfast News Letter: Clergy at Gay Pride to protest and take part
5 August 2008
NORMALLY the only clergy attending the annual Gay Pride march in Belfast are those present to demonstrate. But on Saturday, Protestant clergy were both protestors and participants. For while Church of Ireland ministers joined a Unitarian clergyman in the Belfast Pride march as supporters of the gay festival, Free Presbyterians and other religious opponents of the city centre event protested on the pavements. [Continue Reading]
