Tuesday 24 November 2015

we're all mad in our own way

Today, on my six month wedding anniversary, I was reflecting on those along the way who have felt unable to show my wife and I support in our marriage. To them, I dedicate this song by Natasha Bedingfield... with my interpretation...

We're All Mad In Our Own Way- Natasha Bedingfield 

I think the lady did protest too much
She wouldn't take the flower from my hand (well, you won't take anything from my hand actually, since I came out, in fact, you won't even speak to me)
She only saw the shadow of my circumstance
And perception can't describe what makes a man (you know absolutely nothing about my faith, my marriage or who I am)

I didn't mean to interrupt your stride
But a rose was all I had to give (sorry I'm not who you wanted me to be, but all I can offer is who I am)
Sometimes beauty isn't recognised
When it contrasts with what you feel inside (just because you're not down with it, doesn't mean it ain't great)

Who's to say the darkened clouds must lead to rain (you can't claim, for certain, that my 'lifestyle' is bringing destruction)
Who's to say the problems should go away (don't tell me I need to 'pray away the gay'
Who's to point the finger at what's not understood (the jury's out on this one)

Because, we're all mad (sinners) in our own way
Colours fade it all away (Jesus took it all away)
Different people all the same (needs no explanation)
Each reveals a meaning (we've all got something special to bring to the table)
We're all mad (sinners) in our own way
Fill the sky with different shades (we should celebrate our differences)
Read the story on each page (I am more than my sexual orientation)
Each reveals a meaning

Sometimes I think I overanalyse
As if I can control the time and place (I've tried to understand why you think it's wrong, I just can't)
Life (being gay) isn't something you try on for size
You can't love without the give and take (needs no explanation)

Who's to say the darkened clouds must lead to rain
Who's to say the problems should just go away
Who's to point the finger at what's not understood

Because, we're all mad in our own way.....


Sunday 3 May 2015

LGBT Christian Resources

Organisations

Changing Attitude
http://changingattitude.org.uk

“Changing Attitude England is a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) and heterosexual Anglicans, lay and ordained, who are prepared to be open and visible within the Church, meeting to develop a strategy for change in the Church.”

Accepting Evangelicals
http://www.acceptingevangelicals.org

“We are an open network of Evangelical Christians…
who believe the time has come to move towards the acceptance of faithful, loving same-sex partnerships at every level of church life, and the development of a positive Christian ethic for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Accepting Evangelicals is for everyone who would call themselves Evangelical.”

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement
http://www.lgcm.org.uk

“The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is a UK-based international Charity which challenges homophobia and transphobia, especially within the Church and faith based organisations, as well as working to create and praying for an inclusive church.”

Inclusive Church
http://www.inclusive-church.org.uk

“Working with individuals and partner organisations we seek to raise awareness about the ways that people feel excluded by the church.” Including a directory of inclusive churches.

Networks/groups

Two:23 Network
http://two23.net

“Two:23 is a network of Christians, connected by LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issues, who have discovered that God loves us just as we are. This realisation frees us to unashamedly include and encourage all to discover the love of God for themselves, pursue the call of Christ and live in a way that cherishes others just as God cherishes us.”

Diverse Church
http://diversechurch.org.uk
“Diverse Church is a supportive community of 120 young LGBT+ Christians in UK evangelical churches. We aim to be a pastoral/mission resource for the wider church.”

LGBT Christian Fellowship
http://www.lgbtchristianfellowship.co.uk
“We meet monthly around the Hull & East Riding area to pray, worship and discuss together. We welcome all who may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning from the age of 16 upwards.” Open events every 6 months.

Books
Unconditional: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs Christian Debate- Justin Lee
Living It Out-  Rachel and Sarah Hagger-Holt
God and the Gay Christian- Matthew Vines
Generous Spaciousness- Wendy Vanderwal- Gritter
More Perfect Union- Alan Wilson

Coming Out As Sacrament- Chris Glaser
Transcendent Vocation- Dr Sarah Maxwell
Permanent, Faithful, Stable- Jeffrey John
Memories of Bliss- Jo Ind
Walking The Bridgeless Canyon- Kathy Baldock
Changing Our Mind- David Gushee
A Letter to My Congregation- Ken Wilson
Dazzling Darkness- Rachel Mann

Churches

Liberty Church Blackpool http://www.libertychurchblackpool.org.uk
Metropolitan Community Churches http://mccchurch.org

Blogs
http://bishopalan.blogspot.co.uk
http://vickybeeching.com/blog/
http://therachelmannblogspot.blogspot.co.uk
https://matterofintegrity.wordpress.com

Events
Christians at Pride http://www.christiansatpride.com

Other
Shared Conversations http://www.sharedconversations.org

“The facilitated conversations are taking place to create safe spaces in which questions of difference and disagreement can be explored in relation to questions of scripture, mission and human sexuality.”