Brody's Notes... A Service Of Inclusion & Celebration For LGBT People Of All Faiths At Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral  Photo By The Guardian.co.uk

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) June 22 | A Service of inclusion and celebration for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people of all faiths at Manchester Cathedral will be held at 7.30 pm this Wednesday 23rd June. This is the second time that Manchester Cathedral has hosted a special LGBT service and is the result of the continuing partnership between The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, The Bishop of Manchester - The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch and his Advisory Group on Sexuality.

In June 2008 the Cathedral played host to a special service aimed at sending out positive messages of an inclusive church that celebrates the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. At the last service The Bishop of Manchester brought attention to the fact that more needed to be done to challenge homophobia, Bishop Nigel says about the 2010 event: 

"We believe that this service will further our work together for the benefit of all in our communities to promote tolerance, understanding and break down the barriers which may still exist between us."

Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Paul Martin says: 

“Manchester has such a rich LGBT heritage that has been serving the community for many decades, and it is welcome and appropriate that we can not only welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people to this important event at Manchester Cathedral but that we celebrate their achievements.”

During the service which will also be attended by the Dean of Manchester, The very Reverend Rogers Govender and the Cathedral Choir. There will be an opportunity for those who wish to light candles in prayer, in remembrance or thanksgiving.