Easter is the perfect time for GLBTIQ Christians to connect with their local queer-friendly church and remember the Christian meaning of the holiday. OUTinPerth spoke to two GLBTIQ-friendly churches about their philosophies and Easter celebrations:
Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church
259 Barker Rd, Subiaco
St Andrew’s is an inclusive church that holds a special Open Door Service every Sunday at 6pm. It’s open to everyone, but is specifically aimed at the GLBTIQ community.
The church’s mission statement is to ‘celebrate the diverse gifts of all the members of the Body of Christ; regardless of their sex, race or sexual orientation’ and Father Peter Manuel says he gets along very well with his gay and lesbian parishioners.
‘I don’t tend to look at a person’s orientation- it’s just not important to me,’ he said.
On Good Friday (April 10) there will be a 9.30am service and at 3.30pm The West Australian String Quartet will be performing The Seven Last Words On The Cross by Haydn.
‘And best of all, because it is also a service, it’s free!’ said Father Peter.
For the early birds on Easter Sunday (April 12) a Vigil Eucharist will commence at 5.30am and will be followed by breakfast. The weekly 6pm service will be held as usual on Easter Sunday.
For more information contact:
9381 1130
www.siriol.net/StAndrew/home.htm
The Parish of St John the Beloved (Anglo-Catholic Church Inc)
30 Third Avenue, Mt Lawley
The Right Reverend Richard L Playle holds weekly inclusive services at The Oratory of St John, a private chapel seating about 30 people and decorated in a colourful and traditional style.
The Parish of St John the Beloved practices a nonbiased code including full acceptance of same-sex oriented people.
‘The services are anglo-catholic in rite and practice with vestments, incense, candles and all things common to the ancient English Church,’ said Reverend Playle.
‘All the sacraments are provided and we also provide for same-sex oriented people with Holy Union or Commitment Ceremonies.’
On Good Friday (April 10) the passion of Christ, veneration of the cross and mass of the pre-sanctified will be held at 2pm.
The Easter Sunday service at 10.30am will include holy fire of the resurrection, renewal of baptismal vows, mass of Easter and the blessing of Easter eggs. A lunch will follow the service.
For more information contact:
9271 7736
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