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God is No Excuse |
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Here in Newfoundland, the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Salvation Army and Pentecostal
churches
all disrespect queers: they restrict the roles we can play in the church, urge us to deny our
feelings, try
to convert us or condemn us outright.
So being queer or questioning in these religions (or others with the same attitude) can be
hurtful
and lonely.
But you don't have to be alone -- or give up on
religion.
Spiritual support for queers is available, both from religious groups that welcome queers,
and
from queer groups within less welcoming religions.
Both the United Church of Canada and the Unitarian Universalist Association, for example, have
committed at the top levels to welcoming and respecting queers as congregation members, as
couples
to be joined, and as ministers.
Here in town, Rev. Clarence Sellars, Executive Secretary of the United Church of Canada
in St
John's, confirms that lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered people in need of religious support
are
indeed welcome at any United Church.
And Rev. Katie Stein Sather of the Avalon Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has written
an
article for
OUTLOOK (Fall 1998) inviting all readers to check out their queer-friendly gatherings.
Queers have also started their own religious movements.
The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan
Community
Churches (MCC) was started by a gay minister and twelve members, and has grown into a
worldwide open-minded Christian movement.
There are MCC congregations in Halifax and Fredericton, and occasional rumours of a
future
congregation in St John's.
Meanwhile, MCC's Moderator Rev. Troy Perry, is willing to help anyone (of any faith)
find the
spiritual support they seek. You can contact him personally at [email protected]
Here's a list of some other queer or queer-friendly religious movements or groups. You can
contact them for support, info, or help starting your own local group.
Safe Harbour
Metropolitan Community Church
PO Box 31108
Halifax, NS B3K 5T9
(902) 453-9249
[email protected]
YAHKDAV (LBG Jewish group of Montreal)
CP 661, Succ. Snowdon
Montreal, Quebec H3X 1T7
(514) 933-7387
Offers Womyn's Programming, holiday celebrations, social activities, Jewish community
outreach
(education), intercommunity solidarity and youth education. In French and English..
The Queer Jihad
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/8977
Support and discussion for queer Muslims.
Salaam (LBG Muslims)
c/o 519 Church St. Community Centre
Toronto, Ont. M4Y 2C9
(416) 925-9782 ex. 2141
Gays and Lesbians Out of the Watchtower (G.L.O.W.)
PO Box 279, Station B
Toronto, Ont. M5T 2W2
(416) 925-9872 ex. 2059
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/2321/
Support for former Jehovah's Witnesses to develop pride as gays and lesbians.
SAGA-Presbyterian
75 Simcoe St.
Toronto, Ont. M5J 1W9
(416) 269-7828
Presbyterian fellowship group for lesbigays and their friends and families
Dignity Canada
National Office:
PO Box 2102, Station D
Ottawa, ON K1P 5W3
[email protected]
http://www.odyssee.net/~prince/dcd.html
Halifax Chapter: (902) 422-2155
[email protected]
Canada's national organization of gay and lesbian Roman Catholics and their friends.
Integrity Toronto
PO Box 873, Station F
Toronto, Ont. M4Y 2N9
Chris A. (416) 323-0389
http://www.kapn.tap.net/integrity
Integrity is an international movement of Anglican gay men, lesbians, and friends.
Ex.Ex
http://hometown.aol.com/exexgay
An online resource for queers facing religious pressure.
If a religious leader or group has tried to "convert" you to being straight, you aren't alone.
Many people have been pressured to suppress same-sex desires, to consider themselves
evil and
pray to change.
Some people claim to have been "cured" this way; many later commit suicide. Others have
rejected their "conversion" and accept themselves as queer.
For support in dealing with religious homophobia, contact Ex.Ex.
