Worship service creates solemn counter-protest

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This article was published 20/09/2023 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While hundreds gathered at the legislature on Wednesday to call on the provincial government to eliminate sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum, pronoun changes, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in Manitoba schools, a small group of about 25 people met a few blocks away at Holy Trinity Anglican Church to use worship as a form of protest.

The worship service, which included prayers, candle lighting and the Eucharist, was held at the same time as the 1MillionMarch4Children rally.

In introducing the service, Andrew Rampton, the rector at Holy Trinity, said it was a time for silence, contemplation and healing. He added he hoped it would also be a time of “fellowship and unity building.”

According to Theo Robinson, a transgender male Anglican priest who sparked the idea for the service, it was an opportunity to “show support” for the LGBTTQ+ community.

“Something needed to be done to counter the rally,” he said, adding that the holding of that event left him agitated and angry. “This is my something.”

It was also important to Robinson that members of the LGBTTQ+ community see the church reaching out to them.

“Jesus called us to stand with the vulnerable and marginal, people who are hurting and suffering,” he said, noting that many queer youth are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.

“I can see the hurt, the young people calling out for help. … As Christians, we are called to be healers.”

Churches have caused some of that harm, Robinson acknowledged. “We are not unaccountable for the hurt we have caused. But we can let queer and trans people know we hear you now. We want to rebuild bridges and show the church can be a safe space,” he said.

As for those participating in the rally, Robinson said, “They say they want to protect kids, but they aren’t protecting all kids. … That’s why it’s important for the church to be heard.”

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John Longhurst
Faith columnist & reporter

John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News.

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