A congregation specifically for individuals who identify as LGBT will be launched this summer by the Church of England.
Monthly services for the initiative, True North, will begin in August and are to be held in the Diocese of Lichfield.
Rev Monica Arnold, one of the organisers of the initiative, claimed that it aims to “supplement and support” Christians who identify as LGBT.
‘We do not see this as a stand-alone event’
Rev Arnold said: “There has been a need for something like this for some while. While debate rages on, passionately, at the highest levels of the Church of England, LGBT people continue to live with the realities of their daily life and the mixed reception many receive in parishes. An opportunity to worship and enjoy fellowship without hiding or denying a fundamental aspect of their identity is so important to all aspects of healthy life.”
Christian Concern’s Chief Executive, Andrea Williams, responded: “This is concerning, since sexual orientation is not integral to a person’s identity. Such a claim implies that this behaviour cannot be challenged.”
