This weekend, I will have the privilege of blessing Vanessa and Sheryl's marriage and it's made me very aware of how things have changed for LGBTQ+ people since MCC started, 49 years ago. At least, they have changed in the UK and many other countries.
At the same time, we are witnessing one of the worst humanitarian crises affecting LGBTQ+ people for at least half a century, taking place in Chechnya. The details are horrifying, but, if you can face them they are worth reading. (This article in the New York Times is one of the best sources available at the moment.)
It is a stark reminder of the reasons that the work of UFMCC and the Global Justice Institute is still incredibly important. I often hear comments - even from other queer people - assuming that the progress we have made in the UK and other countries means that we no longer need to be activists. We can't afford to take our rights for granted, and we have no right to claim to love our neighbour if we turn a blind eye when people beyond our line of sight are suffering.
In addition to signing and sharing the petition circulated in last week's Rainbow News, you can donate to an organisation working in the region, such as Amnesty International or the Global Justice Institute. Even by continuing to support NL MCC you are helping us to regularly give to the GLobal Justice Institute, and to run Rainbow Home to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers living in the North East.
I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ - Matthew 25:36-40
Blessings
Kate
At the same time, we are witnessing one of the worst humanitarian crises affecting LGBTQ+ people for at least half a century, taking place in Chechnya. The details are horrifying, but, if you can face them they are worth reading. (This article in the New York Times is one of the best sources available at the moment.)
It is a stark reminder of the reasons that the work of UFMCC and the Global Justice Institute is still incredibly important. I often hear comments - even from other queer people - assuming that the progress we have made in the UK and other countries means that we no longer need to be activists. We can't afford to take our rights for granted, and we have no right to claim to love our neighbour if we turn a blind eye when people beyond our line of sight are suffering.
In addition to signing and sharing the petition circulated in last week's Rainbow News, you can donate to an organisation working in the region, such as Amnesty International or the Global Justice Institute. Even by continuing to support NL MCC you are helping us to regularly give to the GLobal Justice Institute, and to run Rainbow Home to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers living in the North East.
I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ - Matthew 25:36-40
Blessings
Kate
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