A media release responding to the final version of the Church of England's new schools guidance, Flourishing for All. We cautiously welcome the updated guidance, particularly noting the removal of the term 'trans child' as a positive step."
Rev Lorenzo Fernandez-Smal, a year on from the launch of LGB Christians in October 2023, reflects on the challenges ahead for those who question gender identity ideology, given its widespread adoption.
Read LGB Christians' review by Mark Bratton and Benjamin Morse's interview with author Diarmaid MacCulloch The Bible observes that God made humanity ‘for a while a little lower than the angels’. If humans are that close to angels, does the difference lie in human sexuality and what we do with it? Much of the political contention and division in societies across the world centres on sexual topics, and one-third of the global population is Christian in background or outlook. In a single lifetime, Christianity or historically Christian societies have witnessed one of the most extraordinary about-turns in attitudes to sex and gender in human history. There have followed revolutions in the place of women in society, a new place for same-sex love amid the spectrum of human emotions and a public exploration of gender and trans identity. For many the new situation has brought exciting liberation – for others, fury and fear. This book seeks to calm fears and encourage understanding through telling a 3000-year-long tale of Christians encountering sex, gender and the family, with noises off from their sacred texts. The message of Lower than the Angels is simple, necessary and timely: to pay attention to the sheer glorious complexity and contradictions in the history of Christianity. The reader can decide from the story told here whether there is a single Christian theology of sex, or many contending voices in a symphony that is not at all complete. Oxford’s Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church introduces an epic of ordinary and extraordinary Christians trying to make sense of themselves and of humanity’s deepest desires, fears and hopes.
We have reached out privately to several groups who share similar interests in order to find common ground. Among the groups are One Body One Faith, Quest, Affirming Catholicism, Inclusive Church, The Naz & Matt Foundation and Unadulterated Love.
Theologian and educationalist, Mark Chater reflects on the LGB Christians event over the summer, our discussions and hope for the future.
Dr Sarah Rutherford examines the state of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and calls for changes to enhance its relevance and effectiveness. She pays particular attention to DEI's impact on corporations and the customers they serve.
Mark Bratton reviews 'Transformations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-Binary Lives by Alex Clare-Young
Benjamin Morse reflects on his journey as a gay Christian, navigating the challenges of faith and identity. He discusses how his supportive Episcopal upbringing protected him from self-doubt, and his struggle with more progressive views. Despite these challenges, Morse remains committed to his faith, advocating for a Christianity that sees suffering as a path to knowing God.