celebrating diversity
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celebrating diversity
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church members saying, there is nothing wrong with you is a huge force for positive change keep in mind that many people think of the church as one of the most oppressive forces against homosexuality, promoting homophobia, guilt, and lives not lived to their fullness now people are seeing a church which says, we love you regardless of your sexual orientation, you are just like us
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Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, Saturday 28th February 1998
official launch of festival:
Rev Dr Dorothy McRae McMahon wore her clerical collar
rocky entry facing opposition
why we are marching:
seven members , Liz Yeo , Des Perry, Ann Wansbrough, The Religion Report, ABC interviews,
diversity is God’s gift a pastoral letter,
intentions and hopes of participants background information
support for participants:
Robert Stringer National Secretary for Social Justice,
Nancy Bomford member of Assembly Sexuality Task Group,
Uniting Network, and the
parent of a gay son
Rev. John Mavor, President of The Uniting Church of Australia
to the tune of the well known disco track
I believe in a God that can dance 140 members danced and waved their way along Oxford Street;
overwhelming reaction of the crowd,
a great evangelical moment for the church,
one of the most memorable nights in my life,
a source of great joy
Dorothy McRae-McMahon my reaction to watching the parade and thinking about it all
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While it has been controversial, the participation of a group of Uniting Church members in the Mardi Gras brought about considerable discussion between the planning group, Assembly and Synod leaders, and representatives of evangelicals within our church. No common understanding was reached. However, it is clear that those participating have done so with strong convictions as Christians, not seeking to identify with the section of the parade flaunting sexuality, but marching in solidarity with those who feel alienated and excluded in a church which celebrates diversity. So the issues continue to challenge us to discern what God is saying.
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Uniting Church members in the Mardi Gras parade have a positive impact on gay and lesbian youth around Australia