When Words and Actions Collide: A Reflection on the Anglican Church Southern Queensland

As progressive Christians, we often find ourselves caught in the frustrating gap between "beautiful institutional apologies" and the harsh realities of exclusion that persist in practice. Recently, the Anglican Church Southern Queensland issued an apology to LGBTIQA+ people, acknowledging past harm and committing to a future of inclusion and justice. It was a step forward, a glimmer of hope.

But then, not long after, during Lent, I witnessed something that left me deeply troubled. At a local Anglican church in Southport, where I had invited my good friend to experience what I thought would be a welcoming and inclusive community, the minister refused to offer communion to a trans person during the Eucharist. Yes, you read that right. In the very season of repentance and grace, someone was turned away from the table of Christ.

How can the Church publicly apologise for exclusion while allowing such actions to persist? It reminds me of something Harvey Milk once said: “Hope will never be silent.” The Church has offered hope through its apology, but hope cannot remain silent—it must be lived out in action.

Let’s give credit where it’s due: the Church’s apology matters. It acknowledges the pain caused by exclusion, harmful practices like conversion therapy, and the denial of sacraments to sexuality-diverse and gender-diverse people. It commits to standing against injustice and ensuring access to Holy Communion. These words are powerful. They offer hope for a more Christ-like future.

But here’s the thing: words alone are not enough.

Holy Communion is not a reward for the perfect. It’s a sacrament of grace—a table where all are welcome. To deny someone access because of their gender identity is to deny the very heart of Christ’s message: that all are loved, valued, and invited into God’s kingdom.

This incident in Southport isn’t just a personal failing; it’s a betrayal of the Church’s apology and the Gospel’s radical inclusivity. It’s a reminder that institutional repentance must be more than a press release. It must be lived out in every parish, every minister, and every action.

To the Anglican Church Southern Queensland: Your apology is a step forward, but it must be more than words. It must be a living, breathing commitment that transforms the culture of every parish.

To the minister in Southport: Please, take a moment to reflect on the Gospel’s call to love and inclusion. Denying communion to a trans person is not just exclusion—it’s a rejection of Christ’s invitation to all.

To my fellow Christians: Let’s hold the Church accountable. Let’s remind it that apologies are not the end of the journey—they’re the beginning. Let’s advocate for a Church that reflects the love of Christ in both word and deed.

As Maya Angelou also said, “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Let’s work for a Church that truly embodies this truth—a Church where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexuality, is fully loved, fully included, and fully welcome at the table of grace.

What are your thoughts? How can we ensure the Church lives up to its promises? How do we bridge the gap between apology and action? Let’s talk about it, pray about it, and work together to make the Church a place where no one is turned away.

Photo: "Dancer In The Dark" by artist Anthony Lister listerdangerzone.com
Photo 2: St Peters, Southport