Thursday 29 August 2013

Some Christians are gay...

Matt the Elder on Canal Street
Apologies for being quiet of late. It's been a very hectic month. However, I'm back and ready to return to regular bloggin'

Last weekend I was at Manchester Pride. Those of you who follow my real life persona on Facebook and Twitter will know how much I love Manchester Pride! It's my favourite weekend of the year and I pretty much countdown to the Big Weekend from January. 

I've been attending for the last 13 years. My partner and I love the atmosphere; full of fun and good times! Everyone is there to have a good time and celebrate all things lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender! It's also a very safe place, what with the fantastic security team, door staff and St John's Ambulance looking after everyone. 

Can you tell I LOVE MANCHESTER PRIDE? 


Co-op advert on Canal Street
Anyway, this year we marched with The Co-operative in the Manchester Pride Parade. We marched with banners and gave away ice lollies and flags. It was an incredible experience. The route was packed with onlookers cheering us on! 

I do most of my business at The Co-op because they have such strong values and one of those values is about celebrating and respecting diversity. I'm proud to shop and bank with them!

We also passed a group of religious protesters. They always make a peaceful protest and every year they have the same placards with the same anti-gay Biblical quotations. Every float gives them a big cheer and wave as they pass them! It always makes me smile.


Jesus saves all... 
Compare that to a gay Christian group who marched with a giant puppet Jesus wearing a rainbow sash! It was wonderful to see such a bold statement being made at a pride event. Being gay and Christian is totally compatible - and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! 

I loved the t-shirts that the Christian group wore; "Some Christians are gay... Get over it!" Indeed!

I've mentioned previously that City Church is very supporting of the LGBT community - which is why I am a member. This weekend they have a stall at Cardiff Mardi Gras which will be staffed by volunteers who want to show what a welcoming and diverse church community we are. 

If you are visiting Cardiff Mardi Gras please do pop along and say hello! 

Does your church attend gay pride events? How do you welcome the LGBT community to your church community? Please do share your comments below.

Until next time.

With best wishes,
Matt the Elder

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