Why we contacted Inclusive Church and related networks
LGB Christians first contacted Inclusive Church, “a network of churches, groups and individuals working towards building and being an Inclusive Church” on 25 September 2024. We sent a courtesy email to announce our existence and inform them about our openness to dialogue and collaboration. The content of that email is available here. On 17 November 2024 Inclusive Church posted a public note which, although it did not name LGB Christians, was intended to be about us. It inaccurately described us and firmly closed the door to any dialogue or collaboration. On 9 January 2025, we had still not received a reply directly, so we followed up, and on the same day received a brief note from them, apologising and re-stating their position by means of a link to their public post. The letter below is LGB Christians’ response.
The issue here is that we and any other organisations or individuals choosing to focus solely on sexual orientation, or questioning gender identity ideology, can easily be ostracised or denounced as trans-excluding or transphobic. We categorically reject these labels. We think that discussion, debate and dialogue on difficult issues remain vital in the face of increasing homophobia in and beyond the churches.
Our Response to Inclusive Church Dated 28 February 2025
Rev Chantal Noppen
National Coordinator
Inclusive Church
Dear Chantal,
Thank you for your reply on 9 January 2025 and apology, which we accept. We remain open to dialogue and, where appropriate, collaboration on matters of shared concern. We heartily agree with your commitment to openness to growth, adapting to new circumstances, and learning from experiences and contexts. We also share your belief that the basis of all Christian work is the commandment to love God and love our neighbours as ourselves.
In your published statement on the Inclusive Church website on 17 November 2024 you described LGB Christians (curiously without mentioning us by name) as ‘expressly non-affirming of trans and non-binary identities.’ Later on, you imply that we are campaigning to exclude others. Neither of these statements is accurate or fair, and we would ask you to correct the record or not repeat this inaccuracy. We choose to campaign on issues that primarily affect lesbian, gay and bisexual Christians and defend their rights in the face of increasing backlash and confusion.
Where we might differ from Inclusive Church, as described on our website, is that we are acutely aware of the dangers caused by ideas which replace the biological reality of the two sexes with self-defined gender identities – in particular dangers to children, women, and same-sex attracted people.
The dangers include:
- the removal of safe single-sex places and facilities
- serious blurring of safeguarding especially in health and education
- marginalising and demeaning of LGB people
- harassment of those expressing lawful gender critical beliefs
- attempts to limit free speech
- the attempt by same-sex attracted people to meet the standards of conservative christian morality by adopting an asexual identity as a modern form of celibacy or seeking to become straight by changing sex – so called ‘modern conversion therapy’.
However, this does not make us trans-exclusionary or transphobic. Wherever possible we choose to say nothing about people who are, or think they might be, trans or non-binary or those who believe they belong to any other of the ever lengthening ‘alphabet’ acronym. Many other more appropriate organisations exist to serve these interests but we welcome all people of goodwill however they define themselves.
Our supporters have a range of views on this, a diversity which we welcome. When you describe us as ‘expressly non-affirming’, and imply that we are campaigning to exclude others, you have misrepresented LGB Christians. You are attempting to show the world that you are truly inclusive and we are not. Therefore you will not dialogue or work with us. On the grounds of your commitment to inclusivity you exclude us.
Surely that is ironic and, in the long term, self-defeating? If we as Christian organisations are to make any progress in changing the churches and healing the wounds caused by prejudice, wouldn’t it be a good start if we understood each other better and tried to collaborate?
Yours sincerely
Dr Mark Chater
Canon Mark Bratton
Richard Kirker
Dr Sarah Rutherford
Next Steps
If you think that your church or Christian community should engage with LGB Christians, please share this correspondence as a basis for a discussion between your friends and colleagues. We are eager to help the process if you are planning to take this initiative. Contact us at [email protected].