Category: relationships

Sergius and Bacchus – Saints united in brother-making

TODAY, 7th October, is celebrated in many Eastern and Western churches as the feast day of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, (died c. 303, Syria), who are among the earliest authenticated and most celebrated Christian martyrs. Their story also includes one of the earliest known references to ‘Brother-Making’ in the early church. This rite, found in Western and Eastern …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2022/10/07/sergius-and-bacchus-saints-united-in-brother-making/

Ten years since first civil partnership in UK place of worship

ON 6th May 2012, Warren and I arranged a church blessing after registering our civil partnership. While we were planning it, the UK Government changed the law so we could register our civil partnership in a church – and be the first couple in the UK to do so! We spoke to the Liverpool Echo …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2022/05/06/ten-years-since-first-civil-partnership-in-uk-place-of-worship/

The Church’s response to survivors: From stumbling block to stepping stone

LAST WEEK I shared my story in a
Methodist Church webinar on safeguarding: ‘The Church’s response to survivors: From stumbling block to stepping stone’.
Here is my response, some of which didn’t make the final edit.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2022/02/27/the-churchs-response-to-survivors-from-stumbling-block-to-stepping-stone/

Sharing my coming-out story for LGBT+ History Month

FEBRUARY is LGBT+ History Month, an annual festival to celebrate the lives and achievements of LGBT+ people past and present. As part of the month-long festival, the Museum of Liverpool is hosting a panel discussion: Christianity and LGBT+ Lives, and I am on the panel. The event will explore the perception that being LGBT+ is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2022/02/07/sharing-my-coming-out-story-for-lgbt-history-month/

Living Stones – Sharing our story at St Bride’s Liverpool

THE CHURCH which has become my spiritual home for much of my time in Liverpool – 19 years this month – is hosting reflections on Sundays called Living Stones, introducing people who’ve been here a long time and people who are new. The aim is to get to know people better and help reconnect us …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2022/01/14/living-stones-sharing-our-story-at-st-brides-liverpool/

Methodist moves for greater justice, dignity and solidarity for all, especially LGBT+ people

LAST WEEK Methodist Conference, the governing body of the Methodist Church in Britain, passed significant resolutions with far-reaching consequences for its members, and the wider Christian community.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2021/07/05/methodist-moves-for-greater-justice-dignity-and-solidarity-for-all-especially-lgbt-people/

Conservative Christian reaction to Cadbury Creme Egg advert made real-life queer couple question their faith

DID YOU HEAR the one about the advert which led to a huge petition for ‘trying to cause gratuitous offence to members of the Christian community’? Unfortunately it’s no joke – the petition has probably done more to harm the public perception of Christianity than the ad. Chocolate maker Cadbury launched the ad in January …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2021/03/22/conservative-christian-reaction-to-cadbury-creme-egg-advert-made-real-life-queer-couple-question-their-faith/

Life-giving, loving, faithful God – Prayers for the Church of England’s Living in Love & Faith process

AS the Church of England is in the process of sharing its Living in Love and Faith (LLF) resources on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage, I offer these prayers for everyone involved, and those who feel unable to be involved.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2021/03/10/life-giving-loving-faithful-god-prayers-for-the-church-of-englands-living-in-love-faith-process/