LGBTQ+
We aim to be a church that is inclusive of all, including those who are LGBTQ+. This is our intention, though we are aware that we still have much to learn. We recognise the importance of clarity with what we mean by being LGBTQ+ inclusive so here’s a little more detail…As with everyone who comes to SMC you are welcome here on your own terms and like anyone else, we’d love to encourage you to serve and lead in any area of the church according to your gifts. We are blessed at SMC to have LGBTQ+ members, both individuals and couples, who attend, serve and lead in our Sunday services, small groups, and other areas. We understand the importance of representation and are pleased to have LGBTQ+ preachers share on a Sunday from time to time.
SMC is licenced to hold same-sex marriages, and we were thrilled to hold the marriage of two of our members in 2022.
In terms of limitations, we won’t necessarily endorse all aspects of wider LGBTQ+ political agendas (or other political agendas) as we believe the church is primarily called to extend the kingdom of God.
We would love to meet you at one of our services soon!
Resources
Hope & Anchor podcast
Hosted by Trey Hall, who is a gay Minister & the Director of Evanglism and Growth for the Methodist Church in Britain, Hope and Anchor is “an inclusive space for real conversations that change things. We start with the news of the week and dive right into the spirituality of the stories – with people of faith, no faith, and everyone in between. We’re searching for honesty and grit, and hopefully loads of laughter along the way.”
Marcus Green
Marcus Green makes three startlingly honest confessions. His first, that he is an Anglican; his second, that he is an evangelical; and finally, his third, that he is gay. In this compelling, compassionate and absolutely crucial book Marcus explores attitudes towards homosexuality in the Christian faith and offers a theology of inclusion.
Vicky Beeching
A household name in churches in the UK and US by her thirties, but faced with a major health crisis, at she decided to tell the world that she was gay. As a result, she lost her music career and livelihood, faced threats from traditionalists, developed further health issues from the stress, and had to rebuild her life almost from scratch. Despite all of this Vicky became a champion for others, fighting for LGBT equality in the church and in the corporate sector.
Ruth Hunt
Modern-day epistles from writers of different faiths and backgrounds. Jeanette Winterson tackles religious dogma, Rev. John Bell writes about his decision to come out later in life, Kate Bottley talks about becoming an LGBT ally and Lucy Knight shares her experience of growing up as a gay Christian.