The New Inclusive Church Birmingham is a burgeoning new church community that is dedicated to sharing the news of God's radical love in the heart of the city. On 20th May, they held their first Pride service at Carrs Lane Church in the heart of the City Centre, celebrating and worshipping with our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters.
The worship band Eeeek provided the music, which included a mix of popular and worship songs - including a rousing version of Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'.
There were powerful testimonies regarding spiritual journeys and the fight for acceptance, especially in a faith environment. Particularly moving was the testimony of Aquila, who had been assigned the wrong gender at birth and never felt comfortable in her body or her life. However, she knows that 'in all my transness, in all my queerness, God loves me".
Also present was Steph Keeble, the Director of LGBT Birmingham Centre, who commented that she had never been to a Church service "quite like this!" She outlined the fantastic work that the Cenntre does across the city and the rapid growth it has had in recent years.
There was also a dedication service for baby Josie, whose parents have pledged to raise her to be a loving, accepting, affirming person and felt that this service was the perfect place to do so.
SCM was really happy to see some of its members from across the region at the event, and to talk to new people about the work we do towards deepening faith, seeking justice, celebrating diversity and creating communities. All in all, there were 140 people in attendance - more than double the expected 60!
New Inclusive Church Birmingham meets twice a month at Carrs Lane Church and Conference Centre, once for a Worship Gathering and once for a Real Talk group discussion. You can find them on facebook, twitter and Instagram.