Tag: LGBT

To be rather than to seem: The moral compass I want to carry

A colourful coat of arms on a white background. A gold-edged shield is divided into two scenes: on the left, a communion table with a cloth, small goblet, bread and grapes stands above a six-colour Pride rainbow path, on which purple and dark-green figures hold hands; on the right, a white dove carries an olive branch above a sunset landscape, while hands hold a bright flame. Above the shield is a flaming red Sacred Heart with a cross and golden rays, and below is a scroll bearing the words “ESSE QUAM VIDERI“

What would my moral compass look like? An unusual Christian Ethics assignment led me from family history and an old Latin motto to a coat of arms representing four themes that shape my writing, ministry and faith: authenticity, inclusion, peace and kindness.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/08/11/to-be-rather-than-to-seem-the-moral-compass-i-want-to-carry/

Good news worth sharing?

AS PART of my ministry training, I’m exploring what happens when we share stories of faith and invite others to respond. I’d love to hear your perspective, whatever your beliefs or background.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/06/02/good-news-worth-sharing/

Pride, shame, and the possibility of life

JUNE is celebrated around the world as Pride Month, remembering the long struggle of LGBTQIA+ people to live openly and safely, free from fear, shame, and discrimination. Last Sunday, as part of my training as a Methodist minister, I shared this reflection on the theme of Pride with Wesley Church Centre in Chester, which has hosted …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/06/01/pride-shame-and-the-possibility-of-life/

Grace before agreement: What living ecumenically has taught me

What does it mean to practice Christian unity today? Drawing on my own journey across Christian traditions and the story of the Open Table Network, I explore unity, grace, and the courage to stay at the table – especially when we don’t agree on everything.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/03/02/grace-before-agreement-what-living-ecumenically-has-taught-me/

‘All Are Welcome!’: How a surprising witness is inspiring a national church

Members of the Wesley Church Centre and Open Table Chester marching in the Chester Pride parade past the front of the church where more community members are standing on the ramp to show support for everyone in the parade. PHOTO: Tim Macquiban.

FEBRUARY is LGBT+ History Month, an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary history. This year the Methodist Church in Britain asked me to connect them with a minister who could tell the story of a church that had walked the sometimes difficult journey to becoming truly inclusive and hosting an Open Table community.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2026/02/22/all-are-welcome-how-a-surprising-witness-is-inspiring-a-national-church/

Listening to the music of the soul: The grandest and rawest outcry

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my eighth and final musical moment.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/24/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-the-grandest-and-rawest-outcry/

Listening to the music of the soul: I wanna see you be brave

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my seventh.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/23/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-7-i-wanna-see-you-be-brave/

Listening to the music of the soul: Wisdom in secret things

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my sixth.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/22/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-6-wisdom-in-secret-things/

Listening to the music of the soul: Standing at the crossroads

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my fifth.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/21/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-5-standing-at-the-crossroads/

Listening to the music of the soul: True Colors

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chaptersinspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my fourth.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2025/12/20/listening-to-the-music-of-the-soul-3-true-colors/

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