Embracing the LGBTQ+ community

St James & Emmanuel is one of the few churches in the country that is truly welcoming to everyone. It is a diverse community where everyone, including anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+, can feel safe and loved.

The journey began with the tragic loss of Lizzie Lowe, a young woman struggling with her sexuality. Lizzie has helped us to understand that God’s love does not discriminate; we are all God’s children.

For those who are LGBTQ+, joining a community that is willing to open up its heart and to journey towards inclusion is a revelation. No longer on the ‘outside’ looking in (as many felt), they are now a part of something whole and good.

The Inclusive Church statement, developed in partnership with the 12 churches of the Withington Deanery, is fully incorporated within St James & Emmanuel. Inclusion is not just talked about; the church demonstrates it wholeheartedly. One example is Didsbury Pride, an annual event organised and hosted by St James & Emmanuel that brings both the church and wider communities together to celebrate diversity.

What we have learned

Whilst welcomed, participation and involvement in the church community wasn’t immediate. It took time for trust and understanding to develop – at times difficult and challenging, but an enriching process.

What are we doing

Successful Didsbury Pride events mean it has become an annual highlight. Nick Bundock, St James & Emmanuel team rector, shared his thoughts after the first Pride in 2018:

“The main service at Emmanuel the day after Didsbury Pride was like the after-party.  The church was full.  We had kids and older members, Farsi speakers, people of colour from every continent and every background. I was joined at the altar by some of our LGBT young people and in a moment of pure beauty one of our adults with learning difficulties read a prayer he had written. It was like heaven on earth and I knew in an instant that all the pain had been worthwhile.”

Despite encouraging progress, the journey to improve and grow is lifelong. There will be ups and downs to endure along the way, but the foundation has been firmly set to keep the community strong and rooted in our shared values.