Today (Oct 24th) LGCM are launching The Lambeth Fund - to combat the increasing discrimination against lesbian and gay people in the Anglican Communion.
“At no time has the Church so openly threatened the future of lesbian and gay people.” said the Revd Richard Kirker, General Secretary today.
Launching the new project in Manchester, Mr Kirker pointed out the difference in the Civic welcome to the LGCM
conference and that his own church:
“While the City Fathers of Manchester welcome and embrace us with generous
hospitality, our own Church Fathers struggled to find us a place at their table.
“This is symbolic of the greater welcome lesbian and gay people are experiencing
as valued members of the national community - while church leaders seem to grow
in fear and uncertainty.
“Leading British newspapers have exposed the multi-million dollar funding from
America that has financed the anti-gay campaign in the Church. Many posts have
been funded by fundamentalist groups simply to undermine lesbian and gay
people's position.
“Even though a poll shows over 50% of Anglican church goers would accept
partnered lesbian and gay clergy, we must not be complacent. Church leaders seem
more than willing to sacrifice gay and lesbian people on the altar of unity.
“We desperately need the extra resources The Lambeth Fund will supply. Sadly, it
seems that fundamentalist although small in number have large resources no
matter what the Faith. If we do not begin to match their effort we will find the
battle growing ever more difficult.
“We need to prepare briefing materials - arrange meetings - publicise our
objectives - provide more opportunities for church leaders to listen to the
stories of lesbian and gay people - hire venues for discussions - basic teaching
materials - improve communication through the web site - publish more material -
help those in greater problems internationally - commission research and much
more.
“For we also have much to celebrate and build upon with the consecration of the
first honest gay bishop in modern times on November 2nd - its hard to know what
to celebrate as being most unusual, his sexuality or his honesty!”
ENDS