Seeds of Change: Conversations After the Sermon

As the evening moon cast its glow through the stained glass windows of St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane, illuminating the pulpit where Archbishop Jeremy Greaves stood, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The occasion was the annual Pride Evensong, a gathering that had become a blend of celebration and protest. This was the moment the church would deliver its apology to LGBTIAQ+ folk. The congregation, a mosaic of diverse identities, settled in, ready to hear words of hope and healing.

Archbishop Greaves, in his ceremonial robes, began his sermon with gratitude. “For those of you who are members of the LGBTIQA+ community who have stuck with the Church, despite everything, thank you. We need you,” he said, his voice steady but imbued with emotion. He spoke of the resilience of those who, despite historical failings, continued to seek refuge within the Church's walls. The audience listened intently, their hearts swelling with a mix of hope and skepticism.

The Archbishop acknowledged the Church’s past shortcomings — the exclusion, the denigration, and the painful legacy of practices like conversion therapy. “We have failed you,” he admitted, a heavy silence enveloping the cathedral as the weight of those words hung in the air. It was a moment of reckoning, a necessary acknowledgment of wounds that had long been festering.

Yet, even as he offered an apology, Greaves emphasised that it was merely a first step. “An apology is just a beginning,” he urged. “We must turn our words into actions.” He called for tangible change, insisting that true reconciliation could not happen without genuine listening. “Deep listening is vital,” he proclaimed, echoing the sentiment that transformation begins with understanding.

He wove in the threads of celebration and protest, highlighting the global struggles of the LGBTIQA+ community, from the challenges faced in Uganda to the toxic public discourse surrounding trans rights in our own country. “Pride holds both celebration and protest in tension,” he remarked, urging the church to embrace this duality as they walked forward together.

Amidst the gravity of his message, he shared personal stories, one of which pierced through the hearts of many in attendance — the story of Lizzie, a young girl whose battle with her identity ended in tragedy. “She felt that God could not love her for who she was,” he recalled, his voice trembling slightly. “This is a matter of life and death.” The tale of Lizzie served as a haunting reminder of the urgency of their work.

In his sermon, Archbishop Jeremy highlighted the words of Anthony Venn-Brown, who poignantly articulated the journey from being "welcoming" to truly being "inclusive" and "affirming." This reflection underscored the complexities of creating a Church that genuinely embraces LGBTIQA+ individuals. The Archbishop emphasised that Anthony’s insights remind us of the critical need to move beyond surface-level acceptance, urging the church to recognise the deep and often painful stories of those who have felt marginalised. 

As the sermon progressed, the Archbishop painted a hopeful vision of a Church that truly reflected the diversity of the body of Christ. “We must listen to your stories,” he reiterated, envisioning a community that welcomed and affirmed all identities. The atmosphere shifted, a flicker of possibility igniting within the hearts of those present.

Yet, as the atmosphere grew somber after his sermon, a lingering question hung in the air—how? How would the Church transform these words into meaningful change? The Archbishop’s passionate call for ongoing action resonated deeply, but it lacked specific plans. There were no concrete steps outlined, no timelines for progress. This uncertainty weighed heavily on those who had gathered, seeking reassurance and a clear path forward.

The congregation dispersed, many filled with hope, yet others left with a sense of unease. They pondered the Archbishop’s words but couldn’t help but wonder about the structural issues within the Church that had perpetuated discrimination for so long. How would the Church navigate the complexities of intersectionality — the varied experiences shaped by race, socioeconomic status, and identity? 

The following days brought conversations within the community. Some felt the apology was a significant stride forward, while others worried it was merely a superficial gesture. Emails circulated, voices shared their stories, and a call for ongoing dialogue emerged. How could the Church continue to engage with LGBTIQA+ voices moving forward? What mechanisms would be established to ensure these conversations didn’t end with the sermon?

As spring blossoms began to emerge, the cathedral’s doors remained open, inviting discussions on how to foster a more inclusive future. In this moment of reflection, the story of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland is just beginning to unfold. The journey toward reconciliation and inclusion was long, but with each conversation, each heartfelt story shared, the seeds of change were being sown. As they took their first steps, the words of Archbishop Greaves echoed in their hearts: “Together, let us not give up on finding meaning once again in the expression of love for which we have been created.” 

And so, the journey continues, a blend of hope and hard work, of celebration and protest, as the church seeks to embody the love that they have long promised.

Photo Source: anglicanfocus.org.au