Full Hearts for Fiercely Loved Pride Service

Love and affirmation overflowed from Christ's Church Cathedral on Sunday afternoon as the diocese marked the beginning of Pride month with our 'Fiercely Loved' service! Dean Tim Dobbin, dean of Niagara and rector of Christ's Church Cathedral, opened the celebration with a welcome as this special worship experience entered its sixth annual celebration.

Bishop Susan Bell, who was presiding at the service, began with heartfelt words of contrition acknowledging the harm the history of the Anglican Church has caused to 2S-LGBTQI+ siblings in Christ in the Niagara diocese. "To every 2S-LGBTQIA+ person who was ever told they were not enough, you are more than enough!" said Bishop Susan in her acknowledgement. "To those turned away from baptism, confirmation, marriage, ordination, or communion, you belong at the heart of God's Church." 

Members of the 2S-LGBTQI+ community throughout the diocese came together to participate in various roles during the service, including Akan Udoh, Anne Muthoni, and Hanna Kae, who read the readings.

Judy Steers, chaplain at St. John's-Kilmarnock School and honourary assistant at St. John's Elora, was the preacher for the service. Steers addressed the growing fears and stress being felt by many in response to policy changes south of the border, where 2S-LGBTQI+ rights are eroded. Steers reflected on the song "Wondering Where the Lion's Are" by Bruce Cockburn, and the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. Through these stories, she reminded those gathered that they are to love their enemies and pray for them, and not let fear control their thoughts and actions. Instead, she encouraged participants to let love and compassion guide them through these challenging times. 

The Rainbow Kings and Queens — a group established to provide social support, information, and opportunities for connection for LGBTQ refugees from Uganda and other African countries with hateful policies toward LGBTQ people — once again joined us for the celebration, bringing joy to the service with a dance and the Presentation of the Gifts.

Deirdre Pike, program consultant for justice and outreach, along with Susan Elekwachi, a member of the Rainbow Kings and Queens, provided some words to reflect on from the life and witness of Michelle Douglas: “I’ve never felt particularly courageous or brave, but I’ve always felt worthy. I’ve always felt like I had inherent dignity. That can be a bit of a North Star. Standing proud, digging down deep, respecting yourself, and loving yourself; those are important beacons to hold on to.”  Douglas served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1986 - 1989, when she was honourably discharged under the military's LGBT Purge for being a lesbian despite exemplary service. Douglas would legally challenge this discharge in 1992, putting an end to the discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ service members in Canada. Pike and Elekwachi shared with those attending about the trailblazing advocacy of Douglas for 2S-LGBTQI+ rights, justice, and inclusion.  "Justice is not complete until every queer person, every trans person feels safe, celebrated and free to live with dignity" reflects Elekwachi, "we owe that to each other."  

The annual Pride service is a tangible expression of the diocese's commitment to foster a safe and affirming faith community for 2S-LGBTQI+ people, so that those who have faced, for too long, injustices and discrimination, know that they truly are fiercely loved.

View photos of the celebration or watch the full service on YouTube