Diocese of Bangor reaches out to the LGBTI+ Community
Members of the Diocese of Bangor LGBTI+ Chaplaincy at the launch in May 2017
FOLLOWING the inauguration of the LGBTI+ Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Bangor at St. Mary’s Menai Bridge on 22nd May 2017 by the Right Reverend Andy John, Bishop of Bangor, this new Chaplaincy has held services in Menai Bridge and Criccieth.
The Chaplaincy Team is made up of people who are LGBTI+ and affirming allies. Father Dominic McClean, who leads Diocese of Bangor LGBTI+ Chaplaincy, said:
Bishop Andy asked us to make sure everyone was welcome in our Church. We call our service Open Table… we want to reach out to the many people whom the Church has historically excluded from its buildings, services and love.
The Reverend Sara Roberts, another member of the team, added:
We are in an age where human sexuality is not seen as a lifestyle choice but an expression of God’s image. The Church has a responsibility to ask for forgiveness and open its arms to those it may have hurt and excluded in the past.
These services are open to all those who wish to support this initiative regardless of their own gender identity or sexual orientation. There is usually a bilingual communion service followed by refreshments.
A warm invitation is extended to all who would like to attend and affirm the position that no one should be excluded from the love of God.