On Friday it will be IDAHO – the International Day
Against Homophobia and Transphobia. MCC Newcastle will be at the Civic Centre, along with other community groups. The rainbow flag will be raised and there will be stalls and speeches to mark this important day.

In the UK, homophobic bullying, ignorance and prejudice are still issues. Internationally, thousands of LGBT people live in fear of their lives. The state either condones violence towards our sisters and brothers, or turns a blind eye when it happens. Rainbow Home, our joint project with MESMAC, offers a safe space to LGBT people who are seeking asylum in this country. They have fled where they were born and
brought up, because to remain there put their lives at risk.

This week, I was reading something written by our Moderator, Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson. She was wondering what would happen if, on one day, everyone in the world who is LGBT all turned purple. Celebrities, politicians, homophobes, footballers, children, everyone. Just imagine what that would be like. How powerful could that be, if we could all see each other? How powerful could it be
for those who wish to oppress us, to see us in strength and
number?

This is why events like IDAHO and Pride are really important.
They are an opportunity for us to gather together in strength and number. It is an opportunity for those who are still struggling with their sexuality or in the closet to see that they are not alone. It also shows those who would harm us
that they cannot pick us off one by one. There are too many of us.

In the midst of this we stand, as a faith community, offering even more. We witness to a loving and amazing God, who created and loves each of us, just as we are. This second “coming out” is as important as the first. It can also be equally challenging. It takes courage to stand on our stall and offer people a different perspective from what they generally pick up in the media. Many people are indifferent, some are hostile or curious. For a few though, we make a difference to the rest of our lives. That is an amazing gift to be able to offer someone. 

Please pray for Suzanne and her team this Friday, as they are “out and proud” for IDAHO.

God bless,

Cecilia

This Saturday we will be “making a noise against homophobia and transphobia” in the middle of Newcastle city centre. This is part of IDAHO – an international day which recognises that we still have a very long way to go before the world is a completely safe place for 
 LGBT people to live in.

This week ILGA – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association, published its annual world map on lesbian and gay rights, and its report on State Sponsored Homophobia.  It is heartening to see on the map that there are more and more countries that have laws banning discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The map is also gradually changing in favour or equal marriage.

In most of Africa and much of Asia however, the picture is very different – death penalty or imprisonment for up to 14 years or at the very least a lack of legislation that can make violent homophobia perfectly acceptable and encouraged by the state.

In worship this Sunday, we will reflect on our Bedrock Belief about Jesus:

At MCC Newcastle we believe:

Jesus offers everyone chances for new life and hope, especially to those on the edges of society. His life is
an important example to follow.

Jesus spent his ministry challenging injustice and reaching out to those who were dismissed as unimportant by the religious and state authorities of the day. We will represent Jesus as we make a noise against homophobia and transphobia this Saturday and every day.  

God bless,

Cecilia 

At the Annual Congregational Meeting last Sunday, the Members of MCC Newcastle unanimously adopted our
Bedrock Belief statements. This really is quite an achievement – the pages of Church history are littered with examples of Christians falling out – even killing each other, over what they believe.

Of course, in MCC Newcastle, we encourage each person to work out their own beliefs and many of us will be able to agree with the Bedrock Beliefs statements – and add to
them.

This week in worship, we are reflecting on the Bible.

 At MCC Newcastle, we believe:
The Bible is there to inspire and guide. It is not a rule book and can be read with love, compassion and
questioning.

At different times, the Bible has been used as a weapon of oppression – against women, against Black people, against LBGT folk. We need to reclaim scripture. We need to learn to read it with our minds, our hearts and our spirits. Although some of it might seem irrelevant and outdated now, there are still profound truths about God and God’s relationship with us. It is also where we find out about the life of Jesus in a unique way - we can’t find that information anywhere else. 

As part of marking the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on Saturday 19th May,  I will be leading a workshop on “What the Bible Really Says” about queer people. This will be after we have gathered at Grey’s Monument and made a big noise against homophobia – with the theme “Equal Before God”.

Much of the homophobia today stems from misinterpretation of the Bible. If we are going to be people of faith who make a difference, we need to be able to show others what the Bible really says about them, and above all, what scripture says about the unconditional love of God.

God bless,

Cecilia