Uniting Church participation in the 1998 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

1. Uniting Network affirms the initiative of members of the Uniting Church in Australia in mounting a float in the 1998 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. We understand this to be an act of solidarity with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people both within the Church and the wider community.

The Mardi Gras celebrates a diversity of human experience that the Church and community often shuns.

2. Uniting Network affirms the concept of the float, "Celebrating Diversity". This is in keeping with the inclusive Gospel of Jesus Christ who affirmed all people in the diversity of their being.

The Uniting Church in Australia still has not been able to either wholeheartedly acknowledge or affirm the presence, the gifts and graces of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered People.

Uniting Network shares the frustrations and disappointments of these people and recognizes their need to participate in the float. It rejoices that there are those in the Church who choose to join with them to affirm and celebrate the inclusiveness of the Gospel.

3. Uniting Network affirms the right of all who choose to walk with members of the Uniting Church in the 1998 Mardi Gras Parade. In walking, they follow in the footsteps of Christ who himself walked with the marginalised, the oppressed and those who experienced discrimination.

4. Uniting Network commends the expressions of faith and solidarity of all those who are undertaking this action.

MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 19th February 1998

Uniting Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Concerns within the Uniting Church in Australia