Welcome to the Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement

All the world's major religions are faced with having to come to terms with a modern understanding of homosexuality. The place of gay and lesbian people in the life of the Church is currently Christianity's most divisive issue. Confronting homophobia is its greatest challenge. The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is proclaiming a basic Christian truth. It is working for the very love and freedom that Christ brings to his people through his life, death and resurrection. LGCM is working for love, for peace, for justice, and for the promotion of the Christian faith especially within the LGBT community.
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  1. Say ‘No’ to Faith Opt-outs on the Equality Bill

    18 November 2009

    Cutting Edge Consortium Banner

    A unique coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered groups, political social justice activists, people of all faiths and none, trades unions and professional associations, will be launched at the House of Commons on Tuesday, 24 November 2009. CUTTING EDGE will be inviting all Parliamentarians to be briefed on why it believes faith opt-outs from the Equality Bill must be rejected, as the Bill makes its way to the House of Lords.

    The Cutting Edge Consortium, building on ground-breaking 2007 & 2009 Conferences on Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia & Human Rights, will hold an open meeting, EQUALITY BILL: OPT IN vs OPT OUT,  to discuss religious exemptions to legislation on sexuality and gender identity in the Equality Bill. Creating a cutting edge by opening up new possibilities of dialogue between a huge diversity of interests and activist position, CEC has carved out a challenging space to voice support for the Equality Bill.

    Hosted by Clare Short MP, speakers will include Sarah Bourke (Tooks Chambers), Andrew Copson (British Humanist Association) Maleiha Malik (Muslim Women’s Network), and Michael Rubenstein (Equal Opportunities Review). The event takes place 19.00-21.00, Tuesday 24 November in Committee Room 5, House of Commons.

    Founder-member Maria Exall said: It is vital that progressive faith and secular voices are heard loud and clear supporting the Equality Bill and equal rights for LGBT people.

    CEC continues the debates from its 2009 conference, grounded in its 2007 Conference Statement:

    The Faith, Homophobia, & Human Rights Conference, gathered in London on 17th February 2007, calls on all people of goodwill, of whatever faith or none, to affirm and celebrate human equality in all its dimensions and particularly to work for the elimination of any faith-based homophobia and institutionalised prejudice towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

    We reject the activities of certain religious leaders, seeking exemptions from equality legislation, and attempts to base this on the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, such a right being for all, not just for some. We deplore the internalised homophobia within religious institutions that fails to confront prejudice and hate. We encourage and support those faith organisations, which express their commitment to diversity and equality in practice and policy. We believe that full civil rights for LGBT individuals are not only consistent with the right to religious freedom, but are rooted in the best and fundamental teachings of all major faiths; love, justice, compassion, and mercy, such values being shared by all who seek the common good.

    We call for further progressive public policy that will deliver comprehensive and effective anti-discrimination legislation, including positive duties, on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, and belief. We call on the newly formed Commission for Equality and Human Rights to listen to the experience of LGBT faith networks and those who have suffered homophobia from and within religious organisations.

    Today, the alliance of over fifty faith and secular organisations supporting this conference affirms and celebrates the values of human equality and social justice, rooted in the best of faith traditions, and shared by all who are committed to a fully human vision of a transformed society.

    The Cutting Edge Consortium includes the Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement, Interfaith Alliance UK, British Humanist Association, Muslim Education Centre Oxford, Liberal Judaism, Trades Union Congress, and A:Gender, Centre for the Study of Christianity & Sexuality, Progressive British Muslims, Ekklesia, Inclusive Church, LGBT Consortium of Voluntary & Community Organisations.

    Note: The Cutting Edge Logo expresses a knife-edge of rainbow colours celebrating equality, diversity and the need for cross-community cohesion in the face of homophobic and transphobic discrimination and violence. The Cutting Edge web-site, including presentations from the 2007 & 2009 Conferences and other key resources, will be launched shortly

    Cutting Edge Consortium Enquiries:

    cuttingedgeconsortium1@googlemail.com

    Simon :  07906 445695   -  Maria: 07714 206404

    Category: Press Releases


  2. Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill – The Silence of the Anglican Church in Britain

    13 November 2009

    LGCM has attempted to contact the two Primates of the Anglican Church in Britain hoping they would speak out unequivocally on Uganda’s proposed new legislation which threatens catastrophic effects on the lives of ordinary men and women who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT). A deafening silence comes from the Anglican Church in Britain towards the proposed draconian private members Bill currently before the Ugandan Parliament regarding homosexuality. The bill proposes the most condemning punishments towards anyone believed to be involved in homosexual acts, ‘promoting’ them, or agencies who know of anyone who is homosexual.

    It is with great sadness that we note the Anglican Church in Britain is saying nothing. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s office was contacted by us for a statement, but we have heard nothing. The Archbishop of York’s office told LGCM that Ugandan born Archbishop Sentamu “will not be making a statement on this issue”.

    If ever there was a time for the Archbishops to speak out to protect human rights, is this not it?

    Reverend Sharon Ferguson, Chief Executive of LGCM is ‘dismayed and shocked at this silence from the Archbishops regarding this flagrant vilification of LGBT people in Uganda.’

    Consequently, LGCM calls upon all clergy and laity to speak out about this blatant disregard for human rights.

    Category: Press Releases


  3. Lesbian and Gay Christians speak out against Uganda’s proposed “Anti-Homosexuality” Bill

    9 November 2009

    The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement joins with people around the world in condemning a proposed Bill before the Ugandan parliament which could lead, in some cases, to the death penalty for homosexual acts.

    A Private Member’s Bill being proposed in Uganda is among the world’s most draconian legislation against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people. The Bill which aims to “deal with emerging internal and external threats to the traditional heterosexual family” has widespread support from a number of Ugandan MPs, and it, would seem, considerable government support.

    The planned Bill would legislate against responsible education and information about homosexuality, and support for homosexuals. Punishments could range from 3 years imprisonment to the death sentence.  A catch all clause in the Bill even covers any Ugandan homosexuals who might break the law while abroad. Clause 17 of the Bill also makes anyone charged under the Act liable to extradition.

    The Bill would also hold responsible for illegal activities those who are in positions of trust, from Church leaders to organisations aimed at helping people living with HIV/AIDS. The Bill says that all people in positions of trust are obligated to aid in enforcing the law. This means anyone with “power and control over other people because of your knowledge and official position”, and includes anyone who ”exercises religious, political, economic or social authority“.

    Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda and can be punished with life imprisonment. But the anti-homosexuality legislation, proposed by ruling party MP David Bahati on October 14th 2009, was designed to “fill the gaps” in the provisions of existing laws.

    A coalition of human rights and civil society groups led by Human Rights Watch have blasted the measure for attacking human rights protections and placing “everybody” at risk – including parents, teachers, landlords, doctors, media and religious leaders and those who provide counselling to anyone struggling with their sexuality or work with those infected with HIV/AIDS. Anyone who does not report an offence within 24 hours of their gaining knowledge of such is liable to prosecution.

    Rev. Sharon Ferguson, Chief Executive of LGCM, said: “I am horrified at the possibility that this law might be passed. It is entirely unjust, cruel and can only strike terror in the hearts of LGBT people, their families, friends and supporters. I am particularly distressed that many Christian groups including Churches in the Anglican Communion in Uganda appear to be supporting the proposals.

    “The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement appeal to all people of faith regardless of their views on homosexuality to roundly condemn this Bill. The discussion we need to have right now is not about the morality of homosexuality but the morality of this law. We are grateful that Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, the largest evangelical church in the US, has spoken out clearly against this Bill but too many other Christian leaders are woefully silent. Christians of all backgrounds must unite in taking action against this Bill. “

    Ends

    Category: Press Releases