Hate is not a family valueThe Uniting Church in Paddington, Sydney, AUSTRALIA, has come out in support of the gay and lesbian community, by placing a four square meter Safe Place banner over its church entrance. "Recent publicity has left many in our local community unsure whether they would be welcome in the Uniting Church" said the parish's Rev. Rod Pattenden. "We want to let them know that they are very welcome in this parish" According to Pattenden, at least one third of Paddington's Eastside Parish is made up of gay and lesbian members, and they comprise a group that should not be ignored. "Jesus was most concerned with the marginalised, and this is a belief which I hope to continue" said Pattenden. "I am profoundly proud to belong to a church, which discusses these issues openly." email Eastside Parish Office |
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In a bid to further recognise the gay and lesbian community, Pattenden plans to enter a Uniting Church float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, 28 February 1998 - a move he considers will create more discussion within the Church. Parish member Paul Somerville said the Safe Place sign placed above the church is a good way of letting the gay and lesbian community know there is a church where they can feel safe and open about their sexuality He said the move also sends a message to the Church that not all the parishes are homophobic. "It is good to feel accepted, and your sexuality is not an issue." Somerville said. |