A Queer-Inclusive Message for LGBTQ+ Christians this Christmas
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Christmas can be a difficult time for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially for queer Christians who often face rejection, deadnaming, and a lack of recognition for their relationships within their own families and church communities. According to a recent survey conducted by PinkNews, a staggering 82 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals feel the need to hide their true identities during the Christmas season, while 10 percent plan to spend the holidays alone.
This year has been particularly challenging for queer individuals who hold religion dear to their hearts, due to the ongoing debates within the Church of England regarding the blessing of same-sex relationships. To shed light on this issue, PinkNews reached out to Sarah Jones, an Anglican priest and the vicar at St John The Baptist city parish church in Cardiff. Jones, who is transgender, was ordained in 2004 and became the first person to transition and be recommended for training for ordination by the Church of England.
Jones acknowledges the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during the festive season, saying, “Christmas can be especially difficult for LGBTQIA+ folks. Some of us have been rejected by our families because of our sexuality or our gender; others have to hide their queerness or tone it down or leave their partners and friends out of family settings.” As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a transgender Anglican priest, Jones is deeply aware of the lack of inclusivity and diversity within the Christian church.
While there are churches that propagate exclusion and reject LGBTQ+ individuals, Jones emphasizes that there are also churches that are more LGBTQIA+ friendly than one might expect. Queer individuals can find welcoming churches through organizations like Inclusive Church, which maintains an online list of inclusive churches. Networks such as Open Table and churches like St James Picadilly or St John’s in Cardiff provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. OneBodyOneFaith and MCC Church also offer resources and connections to LGBTQIA+ groups in various denominations.
Jones also highlights the queerness present in the Bible, arguing that many straight individuals fail to recognize the representation of queer lives within its pages. The Bible challenges societal norms, with instances of gender non-conformity, strong women like Deborah, and references to eunuchs. Some even interpret the love between King David and Jonathan as more than mere friendship. Jones encourages queer individuals to explore these narratives and find comfort in their presence.
For those unable to attend physical church services, online options can provide solace and connection. Churches like St Mary The Virgin in Oxford and various cathedrals, including Llandaff Cathedral, offer high-quality streams of services. St John’s Cardiff and The Ordinary Office cater specifically to online audiences.
In a positive development, Jones notes that the Church of England has agreed to bless same-sex couples, following in the footsteps of the Church in Wales, the Methodists, the United Reformed Church, and the Quakers. Even Pope Francis recently declared that Roman Catholic priests could bless same-sex couples. These changes signify progress and should serve as a reminder to LGBTQ+ individuals that they are not shut out from the church; they are welcome and loved.
Jones concludes her message by recommending Jay Hulme’s poem “Jesus at the Gay Bar” as a treat for queer Christians looking for a special holiday indulgence. It is a reminder that despite the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during Christmas, there are spaces where they can be themselves and find acceptance.
In conclusion, Christmas can be a challenging time for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly queer Christians who often face rejection and exclusion from their families and church communities. However, there are welcoming churches and online options available for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking solace and connection during this festive season. It is essential to remember that God’s love transcends human rejection, and there is a place for LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities.
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“Queer-friendly Christmas message for LGBTQ+ Christians”
