NEWS ITEMS IN DATE ORDER

The news items below are listed in date order (latest first). For news items more than two years old, please go to the news archive page.

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News items in date order

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Lesbian and Gay debate threatened to split Zimbabwe Christian Alliance
(International church news – 18/06/2009)

A 45 minute debate about the place of gay and lesbian people in the new constitution held during the recent Constitutional Indaba in Bulawayo by the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance threatened to the divide the pastors present. Harsh words were exchanged in defence of and against the accommodation of lesbian and gay people.

Address by the Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, given in Westminster Abbey to Westminster School
(Changing Attitude news – 12/06/2009)

The Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, addressed the issue of prejudice in church, school and society towards lesbian and gay people in an address given in Westminster Abbey to the students of Westminster School

Petition to amend the Civil Partnership Act
(Changing Attitude news – 09/06/2009)

Changing Attitude England is supporting the petition on the 10 Downing Street web site which seeks to Amend the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to allow faith groups to perform civil partnerships within their religious buildings.

Courage Scotland Open Letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
(UK church news – 21/05/2009)

Courage Scotland Open Letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland as it meets to discuss homosexuality.

IDAHO Day services held in cathedrals at Cork and Dublin
(Changing Attitude Ireland – 19/05/2009)

The Bishop of Cork took part in an Idaho Day service in St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork and Senator Stephen Norris in a service held in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Changing Atttitude Nigeria Lagos celebrates IDAHO
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 18/05/2009)

Changing Attitude Nigeria-Lagos joins IDAHO and other LGBTQI organizations around the world to celebrate the international day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Changing Attitude Ireland invitation withdrawn following Orange Order objection
(Changing Attitude Ireland – 15/05/2009)

The invitation to Changing Attitude Ireland to lead a prayer during the intercessions at the Church of Ireland Synod Eucharist on Sunday has been withdrawn after objections by the Orange Order.

Archbishop of Canterbury preaches at opening service of ACC14 in Kingston, Jamaica
(Anglican Communion news – 06/05/2009)

The Archbishop of Canterbury preached at a service to mark the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in the National Arena in Independence Park, Kingston. Some 8,000 people filled the indoor arena which had been transformed into a liturgical space overnight.

Reports on the treatment of homosexuals in Burundi, Uganda and Senegal
(International secular news – 06/05/2009)

Reports from Burundi, Uganda and Senegal show how lesbian and gay people continue to be oppressed and victimised across Africa.

Jeremy Marks, founder of Courage, comments on Faith and the City Conference
(UK Anglican news – 24/04/2009)

Commenting on the Faith and the City conference organised by Anglican Mainstream, Jeremy Marks, founder of Courage, says he doesn’t know any conservative evangelical leaders who seriously believe that gay people can be changed and become straight.

Royal College of Psychiatrists criticise 'gay treatment' offered at Anglican Mainstream Conference
(UK Anglican news – 24/04/2009)

The Royal College of Psychiatrists have commented on the medical treatment proposed for homosexuality at the Anglican Mainstream conference Faith and the City being held in central London. Psychiatrists say there is no supporting evidence and such treatment could be damaging.

Church of Nigeria bussed people in to the Same Gender Marriage Bill hearing
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 13/03/2009)

The second Changing Attitude Nigeria leader who was present at the hearing on Wednesday has now posted his report. The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) organised people to attend the hearing, bussing them in from as far away as Jos and had T-shirts printed.

Report on the Hearing on the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibtion) Bill 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/03/2009)

A report of the Hearing on the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Act in Abuja at which Changing Attitude Nigeria was one of the groups speaking against the bill

Homosexual storm National Assembly in Nigeria to protest bill
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/03/2009)

Homosexuals yesterday stormed the National Assembly to protest over a bill which seeks to prohibit same sex marriages in Nigeria. The group, comprising young males and females, said they were opposed to the bill because the United Nations charter on Human Rights guaranteed them freedom of association and freedom to sexual orientation, all of which the proposed law will deny them.

Homosexuals Besiege NASS, Seek Stoppage Of Same-sex Marriage Bill
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/03/2009)

Hundreds of homosexuals and lesbians stormed the National Assembly (NASS) on Wednesday to request an end to a legislation they claim discriminates against their sexuality. They made their presentation at the public hearing organised in Abuja by the Human Rights, Women Affairs and Justice Joint Committee of the House of Representatives, where they decried moves to pass a Bill that prohibits and criminalises same-sex marriage.

Group leaders from Changing Attitude Nigeria present statement on Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008 at public hearing in Abuja
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 11/03/2009)

On Wednesday, March 11 three leaders from the Changing Attitude Nigeria groups in Lagos, Jos and Abuja will be present to present testimony against the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008 at a public hearing in Abuja.

Changing Attitude Nigeria condemns Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 09/03/2009)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria has warned that the Bill “for an Act to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith” passed unanimously on Thursday 15 January by the Nigerian House of Representatives does more than attempt to prohibit same sex marriage.

Uganda: The U.S. Religious Right Exports Homophobia to Africa
(International church news – 05/03/2009)

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) condemned a seminar designed to attack lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ugandans under the cloak of religion.

Diocese of Ottawa to perform same-sex blessings
(Anglican Communion news – 04/03/2009)

The Diocese of Ottawa has said it will perform same-sex blessings, becoming the first Canadian Anglican diocese to make such a move since the moratoria were agreed.

Denial of a Gay Community in Nigeria Is “Economical With the Truth”, Say Young Humanistas
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 02/03/2009)

In a statement issued on 16 February the Young Humanistas Network in Nigeria based in Ibadan described the remarks of Ojo Madueke, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, denying the existence of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the country as being “economical with the truth”.

Bishop of Abakaliki says it’s unbiblical to ordain gay bishops
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 02/03/2009)

The Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, the Rt. Rev. Benson Onyeibor, said in an interview as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Diocese in mid-February that Anglicans in the African continent would not endorse the proposed ordination of any homosexual as priests or bishops in the Anglican Communion

Evangelicals call for change of attitude on gays
(UK church news – 23/02/2009)

Several groups of evangelical Christians who believe that the churches need a positive change of heart and mind on the issue of homosexuality have called on church organisations condemning an American anti-gay hate group to face up to their own discriminatory policies and behaviour.

Nigerian Government claims no record of LGBT groups in Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 16/02/2009)

The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement to the UN periodic review of human rights in Geneva on 9th February. The Minister, Ojo Madueke, said: “As we have indicated in our National Report, we have no record of any group of Nigerians, who have come together under the umbrella of “Lesbian, Gay and Transgender” group, let alone to start talking of their rights.”

Davis Mac-Iyalla itinerary of meetings in Belgium with EU and LGGBT grpups
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 16/02/2009)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria is travelling to Belgium from the 16 to 23 February 2009. This visit offers further opportunities for Davis to tell people about the situation of LGBT people in Nigeria and what Changing Attitude Nigeria is doing.

Primates of five provinces to reflect on sexuality conflict in Alexandria
(Anglican Communion news – 28/01/2009)

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has asked the primates of Canada, US Episcopal Church, Uganda, Pakistan, and South Africa, to offer reflections on the impact that the current Anglican conflict over sexuality has had on the mission and priorities of their churches during the primates’ meeting in Egypt.

No excuse for homophobia says CofE Chief Education Officer
(UK Anglican news – 27/01/2009)

The Revd Janina Ainsworth, the CofE's Chief Education Officer wrote to the Guradian encouraging schools to forbid discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Episcopal Diocese of Virginia resolution on Integrity of committed Christian relationships
(Anglican Communion news – 27/01/2009)

The Diocese of Virginia held its annual Council meeting on Saturday 24 January. During the meeting a resolution affirming “the inherent integrity and blessedness of committed Christian relationships“ regardless of gender was passed

Nigeria: 'Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill' violates Constitution
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 26/01/2009)

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBAHRI) and Nigerian human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are deeply concerned by the 'Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008', currently before the Nigerian National Assembly.

Nigerian House of Representatives votes to enact law against same sex unions
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 17/01/2009)

The Nigerian House of Representatives voted unanimously on Thursday 15 January for an outright ban on same sex marriages anywhere in the country. The Bill “for an Act to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith” was passed without any opposition.

Police arrest more Nigerian gay men
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 17/01/2009)

Heart rending stories of the abuse of lesbian and gay people in Nigeria continue to be reported by members of the Changing Attitude Nigeria groups. More have been arrested and lost home and jobs.

Global South Primates question divorced ACNA priests
(Anglican Communion news – 13/01/2009)

David Virtue, conservative commentator on the Anglican Communion, claims that Global South leaders are asking questions about the presence of divorced priests in the new Anglican Church in North America.

Changing Attitude confidently predicts the Anglican Communion will be changed by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
(Changing Attitude news – 31/12/2008)

The slow change in church attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is set to continue and to spread beyond western liberal regimes into Africa and other continents where social taboos and conservative Christian and Moslem attitudes are entrenched. In the short term, life will be painful and in some cases tragic for many LGBT Africans. But change is coming and Anglican conservatives will be unable to stop it.

Second Changing Attitude Nigeria leader granted asylum in UK
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 08/12/2008)

Stephen Wariebi Hobobo, co-leader of the Changing Attitude Nigeria (CAN) group in Port Harcourt, has been granted asylum in the UK. Stephen applied for asylum in May 2008 having arrived in the UK in April following the violent assault on his life which occurred in Port Harcourt on Maundy Thursday 20 March 2008.

Archbishop of Canterbury’s open door welcomed
(Changing Attitude news – 08/12/2008)

Changing Attitude England applauds the willingness of Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury to meet, at their request, five Primates who are members of the GAFCON Primates’ Council, only one of whom had attended the Lambeth Conference in July.

Diocese Of Los Angeles Rejects B033 And Announces Liturgy For Same Sex Blessings
(Anglican LGBT news – 06/12/2008)

In its 113th Annual Diocesan Convention today, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles joined seven other dioceses in passing a resolution asking the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church to reject the de facto moratorium on the election of gay or lesbian bishops by retracting the General Convention Resolution BO33.

Memorial service in Liverpool Cathedral for murdered gay teenager
(Changing Attitude news – 06/12/2008)

Liverpool's Anglican cathedral held a memorial service on Saturday 30 November for Michael Causer, an 18 year old gay man who was attacked and seriously injured on 25th July in what police described as vicious and unprovoked homophobic attack.

Archbishop of Wales, CA patron, affirms acceptance of lesbian and gay people
(Changing Attitude news – 02/12/2008)

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, a patron of Changing Attitude, is the focus of a BBC documentary to be broadcast on BBC One Wales on Wednesday 3 December at 10.45pm. In the programme he describes the circumstances in which he would consecrate a bishop in a gay relationship.

Changing Attitude leader in Jos at heart of violence
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 02/12/2008)

The Changing Attitude leader in Jos, Northern Nigeria, reports on the community war that has broken out following the local election on Thursday in Plateau State. He said there had been shooting all night and he was trapped in his house as there was no means to escape from Jos.

'Christian' policeman loses disciplinary hearing over attitudes to homosexuality
(UK secular news – 28/11/2008)

A policeman who objected to what he claimed was the aggressive promotion of homosexual rights within the Norfolk Constabulary lost a disciplinary hearing brought against him by his police force.

Revd Michael Kimundu, CA contact in Kenya, addresses Manchester meeting
(Changing Attitude Kenya – 12/11/2008)

The Revd Michael Kimindu, newly appointed as Changing Attitude’s contact person in Kenya, spoke at a meeting of the Manchester Changing Attitude group in Manchester Cathedral library on Monday 10 November.

Straight Nigerian man reveals diversity of attitudes to lesbian and gay people
(International secular news – 05/11/2008)

Ayo, a heterosexual Nigerian in his 30s posted a comment about gays and lesbians in Nigeria on Facebook on 26 October 2008. His post produced a torrent of comments, many anti-gay but the majority thoughtful, questioning church teaching and the prejudice which fuels anti-gay rhetoric.

Diocese of Montreal to draft liturgy for gay blessings
(Anglican LGBT news – 04/11/2008)

The Bishop of Montreal, the Rt Revd Barry Clarke, has indicated in an interview that he will follow through with the wishes of the diocese of Montreal and set up a commission to start drafting a liturgy for blessing lesbian and gay marriages.

Revd Michael Kimindu ejected from Nairobi clergy chapter meeting
(Anglican LGBT news – 10/10/2008)

The Revd Michael Kimindu, an Anglican priest who was a member of the LGBT team at the Lambeth Conference this year, was ejected from a meeting of the clergy chapter meeting in the diocese of All Saints Cathedral. The chapter meeting was held in the offices of the diocese at Karen on Wednesday 8th October 2008.

Stock Exchange chaplain says homosexuals should carry warning tattoos
(UK Anglican news – 07/10/2008)

The Rev Peter Mullen. 66, chaplain to the London Stock Exchange and rector of St Michael's Cornhill and St Sepulchre without Newgate in the City wrote on his blog that homosexuality was "clearly unnatural, a perversion and corruption of natural instincts and affections" and "a cause of fatal disease".

GAFCON bishops meet in Mukono, Uganda
(Anglican Communion news – 30/09/2008)

Ganzi Muhanguzi reported on gayuganda.com that a total of 39 anti-gay bishops met in Uganda to defend the Global Anglican Future Conference Movement (GAFCON), a clergy movement against homosexuality in the Church.

The Revd Jim Cotter blesses lesbian civil partnership in North Wales
(Anglican LGBT news – 29/09/2008)

The Revd Jim Cotter blessed a civil partnership between two women at St Hywyn’s, Aberdaron, in North Wales on 12 July. A complaint was later made about the service and the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan wrote to Mr Cotter telling him he had exceeded his authority, since the church has no liturgy for same-sex unions.

Hereford withdraws appeal against John Reaney award
(UK Anglican news – 29/09/2008)

The Hereford Diocesan Board of Finance has withdrawn the notice of appeal it filed in March in the employment discrimination case involving John Reaney.

LGBT Anglicans recommit to mutual support and global mission
(Anglican LGBT news – 02/08/2008)

Leaders of seven lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Anglican organizations met yesterday as the Lambeth Conference drew to a close. We recommitted ourselves to the full inclusion of LGBT people in the life and ministry of the churches of the Anglican Communion.

Seven Passages: The Stories of Gay Christians
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 31/07/2008)

A review of "Seven Passages: The Stories of Gay Christians", a play which sets the real-life stories of over 100 gay and lesbian Christians living in Michigan, USA against the seven passages from the Old and New Testaments used against the full inclusion of LGBT people in the church.

Meeting people at Lambeth
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 30/07/2008)

Members of the Changing Attitude team at Lambeth are out and about every day, meeting bishops, spouses, visitors and the whole spectrum of people present in Canterbury and involved with the Conference.

African LGBT Anglicans appeal to Bishops and Archbishops
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 29/07/2008)

African LGBT Anglicans appeal to Bishops and Archbishops

African LGBT Anglicans witness at Lambeth
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 29/07/2008)

Yesterday witnessed a dramatic first for Lambeth. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Anglicans from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe were drummed onto the university campus and danced at the heart of the Lambeth Conference, witnessed by over 200 people and a number of TV cameras.

Davis Mac-Iyalla thanks the UK Government and supporters asylum status
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 28/07/2008)

Following his being granted asylum in the UK, Davis Mac-Iyalla of the Anglican LGBT group Changing Attitude Nigeria wishes to express his gratitude to a number of individuals and organisations that provided support in one form or another over a period of time.

Lambeth - The Group Photograph
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 26/07/2008)

This morning, the group photograph for bishop's spouses was taken, and in the afternoon, the bishops gathered to have their photograph taken.

UK grants asylum to Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 25/07/2008)

Davis MacIyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria, has been granted asylum in the UK.

Listening to Transgender People at Lambeth
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 25/07/2008)

Five transgender people made a presentation to a fringe meeting at the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury on 25 July. Two bishops were among the audience who listened for an hour to the testimony of transgender people brought together by Changing Attitude and Integrity.

The Lambeth Witness - Inclusive Church coalition's daily newsletter
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 24/07/2008)

The coalition of groups working under the Inclusive Church banner are producing a daily newsletter for the Lambeth Conference. The Newsletter includes reports of the previous day's events, information about events for the next day, profiles of our various groups, articles and information about Lambeth.

The Lambeth Market Place - Changing Attitude/Integrity stall
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 24/07/2008)

News from the Changing Attitude/Integrity Market Place stall

African Voices of Witness - Integrity fringe event
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 23/07/2008)

Integrity USA presented Voices of Witness, a DVD presenting the experience of LGBT Anglicans in the USA. Before this DVD was shown, a preview of the new African Voices of Witness was shown, followed by a panel discussion. Members of Changing Attitude who had participated in the DVD joined Integrity USA and Uganda members on the panel which followed.

Davis Mac-Iyalla describes his conversation with a Ghanaian bishop
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 21/07/2008)

Davis Mac-Iyalla writes about his first experiences at the Lambeth Conference and his conversation with a Ghanaian bishop.

Changing Attitude and Integrity Eucharist in Canterbury
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 21/07/2008)

Changing Attitude and Integrity members welcomed friends and supporters to St Stephen’s playing field on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Communion together and pray for the Lambeth Conference and the bishops gathered in Canterbury.

Lambeth Conference day 2 - gathering the team
(Lambeth Conference 2008 – 18/07/2008)

We are here in Canterbury on day two of the Lambeth Conference. The Changing Attitude/Integrity/Inclusive Church team is slowly gathering from different parts of the Communion.

Peter Ould and Anglican Mainstream denigrate Changing Attitude
(Changing Attitude news – 15/07/2008)

The Revd Peter Ould, curate of Christ Church, Ware, has published an item on his blog entitled “Will Gene perform Hocus Pocus?” Why do Peter Ould and Anglican Mainstream report in such a malicious and un-Christian way?

Archbishop Orombi of Uganda says
(Anglican Communion news – 12/07/2008)

A headline in the The New Vision published on Wednesday, 9th July proclaimed “Gays want to kill me, says Orombi”. In the article, Chris Ahimbisibwe wrote that Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi had said he fears for his life because of the campaign he has waged against homosexuals.

Three gay CAN members attacked and arrested in Lagos
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 23/06/2008)

Changing Attitude England has received a report from a Changing Attitude Nigeria of another violent attack perpetrated against three gay Nigerians. We received this report on the morning when Riazat Butt reports in The Guardian “An unheavenly silence on homophobia” at the Global Anglican Futures Conference.

Church Services after Civil Partnerships
(Civil Partnerships – 20/06/2008)

Inclusive Church has published a paper by Revd Brian Lewis, a member of General Synod and of IC's Executive Committee on the law in relation to services after Civil Partnerships. The paper demonstrates that under the laws of the Church of England - especially Canon B5 - clergy have far greater liberty in this area than is commonly thought.

Marriage for All at All Saints Church Pasadena
(Anglican LGBT news – 22/05/2008)

All Saints Church, Pasadena rector, J. Edwin Bacon, Jr., announced today that the church will treat equally all couples presenting themselves for the rite of marriage. The announcement followed a special meeting of the All Saints Church Vestry, which unanimously adopted a “Resolution on Marriage Equality” [below] in response to the May 15, 2008 ruling of the California Supreme Court.

Anglican Mainstream reacts to Government IDAHO statement
(UK Anglican news – 22/05/2008)

A report on the web site of Anglican Mainstream claims the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced that its embassies will now be collaborating with local homosexual activist organisations in other countries to promote acceptance of homosexuality overseas.

UK Government committed to ending global discrimination against LGBT people
(International secular news – 17/05/2008)

In a statement issued on the international day against homophobia, the Government said it is committed to promoting equality and ending the discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) around the world and has developed a programme to help achieve this.

IDAHO protests against the Bishop of Rochester’s homophobia
(UK Anglican news – 17/05/2008)

IDAHO 2008, the International Day Against Homophobia, announced on 16 May that a demonstration would be held outside Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 17 May from 1200-1300 hrs. against the Bishop of Rochester’s homophobia.

Changing Attitude attacked in Church of Ireland General Synod speech
(Changing Attitude news – 17/05/2008)

Dermot O’Callaghan made a speech to the General Synod of the Church of Ireland which took place in the Radisson SAS Hotel, Galway from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th May. In bis speech he attacked Changing Attitude for views expressed in a booklet on Sexual Ethics written by the Lesbian and Gay Clergy Consultation and published on their behalf by Changing Attitude.

Report on contents of syringe used in attack on Davis Mac-Iyalla
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 20/04/2008)

The result of the analysis of the contents of the syringe with which an assailant attempted to attack Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria, on Sunday 30 March 2008 has now been received, confirming that it was a poison.

Changing Attitude urges GAFCON leaders to repudiate violence
(Changing Attitude news – 11/04/2008)

Changing Attitude urges the GAFCON leadership team to state categorically that any Christian who threatens or attacks a person because they are lesbian or gay comes under the judgment of God and disobeys God’s law. We ask them to condemn those individual church members who are continuing to threaten Davis Mac-Iyalla and other Nigerian lesbian and gay leaders.

Nigerians threaten English and Nigerian Directors of Changing Attitude
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 10/04/2008)

Death threats and intimidating text messages received by leaders of Changing Attitude Nigeria and England following a violent attack on a Changing Attitude group leader in Port Harcourt

Archbishop of Canterbury condemns recent violence against lesbian and gay people
(Anglican Communion news – 10/04/2008)

In response to reports of violence and threats towards Christians involved in the debate on human sexuality, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued a statement.

LGBT Anglican leaders threatened with murder and violently attacked in Nigeria and England
(Changing Attitude news – 08/04/2008)

Over the Easter weekend 2008, gay leaders of Changing Attitude Nigeria were seriously assaulted. In an open letter to conservative Anglican church leaders twenty Anglican bishops and leaders have expressed concern about the use of incautious language and urge conservative church leaders to consider the effects of the language that they use.

Lambeth invitation 'not possible' for Bishop Gene Robinson
(Anglican Communion news – 10/03/2008)

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church was informed March 10 that full invitation is "not possible" from the Archbishop of Canterbury to include Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire as a participant in this summer's Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops.

Sexual Minorities Ugnada and Integrity Uganda call upon Ugandan religious leaders to recognise gay rights
(Anglican LGBT news – 26/02/2008)

Integrity Uganda and Sexual Minoroties Uganda write to Henry Orombi, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, questioning his decision not to attend the Lambeth Conference and reminding him of the human rights, under God, of LGBTI people

Holy Irrelevant? The Church and LGBT Affirmation - A sermon preached at Trinity College, Dublin
(Changing Attitude news – 17/02/2008)

Holy Irrelevant? The Church and LGBT Affirmation. The Revd Colin Coward argues that of course LGBT people are a holy and relevant gift to the church.

Directors of Changing Attitude Nigeria and England meet students and Principal of St Nicholas Seminary, Cape Coast, Ghana
(Changing Attitude news – 15/02/2008)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, the Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria, Bobby Ikekhuame Egbele, leader of the CAN Group in Benin City, Nigeria, and the Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude England, recently visited the seminary of St Nicholas at Cape Coast in Ghana and met final year students and the Principal, the Very Revd Victor Atta-Baffoe.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria, returns to the USA to collect World Pride & Power Conference award
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 15/02/2008)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria, arrived in the USA on 15 February 2008 to speak at the Riverside Church, New York City, this weekend and receive a World Pride and Power Conference achievement award in Los Angeles on February 23.

Integrity Uganda appeals to Mothers’ Union - think about our LGBT children
(Anglican LGBT news – 15/02/2008)

Integrity Uganda has written to the Mothers’ Union in Uganda, noting failure on the mothers’ side to have dialogue with their LGBTI children and failing to protect and advocate for them. The mothers are failing in their 2001-2010 commitment to achieve a culture of peace and non-violence for all children in the world. Integrity asks them to acknowledge the unique sexuality of their LGBTI children, embrace them with indiscriminate love and help them understand the process of reconciling their sexuality and spirituality.

Can there be 3.75 million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Anglicans?
(Changing Attitude news – 14/01/2008)

Changing Attitude suggests that the total number of LGBT Anglicans world-wide could be at least 3.75 million. The figure is based on the probability that in every country, at least 5% of the population will come to identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

Changing Attitude argues it place in the Communion and its effect on the Communion
(Changing Attitude news – 02/01/2008)

Changing Attitude argues that is is already at the centre of the Anglican Communion and realistic in its stance towards the secessionaist threat presented by GAFCOM and the challenge to create an inclusive Communion.

Changing Attitude responds to the GAFCON announcement
(Anglican Communion news – 31/12/2007)

Changing Attitude questions the motives and integrity of those organising the Global Anglican Future Conference in June and affirms that with them, we are faithful, mission oriented, global Anglicans.

Changing Attitude England response to 2007 Advent Letter
(Changing Attitude news – 16/12/2007)

What the Archbishop has been unable to doin his Advent Letter is articulate the experience and views of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) members of the Anglican Communion. We are a minority but our numbers are not insignificant. If the Communion has 75 million members, at a conservative estimate there are likely to be 3.75 million LGBT people among them.

A Pastoral Statement to Lesbian and Gay Anglicans from Some Member Bishops of the Lambeth Conference
(Lambeth Conferences – 01/12/2007)

The Pastoral Statement to lesbian and gay Anglicans was signed by 185 bishops in the aftremath of the debate on resolution 1.10 at the Lambeth Conference 1998

Archbishop of Canterbury meets LGBT members of the Consultation
(Anglican Communion news – 30/11/2007)

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, yesterday attended a meeting of the Clergy Consultation. Dr Williams presided and preached at a service of Holy Communion and later addressed the members present, responding to questions.

Ugandan lesbians and gays refused space to speak at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
(International secular news – 23/11/2007)

David Kato, secretary of Integrity Uganda, was one of the East African lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) speakers from Uganda and Kenya who came to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on 23 November 2007 to speak at the CHOGM Speaker's Corner in Kampala. Met by police officers, they left after facing violence from the police and waiting for seven hours to be given entrance to the People's Space.

Diocese of New Westminster - Memorandum from the Right Reverend Michael Ingham, Bishop to all Diocesan Clergy
(Anglican Communion news – 23/11/2007)

Bishop Michael Ingham wrote to all diocesan clergy following the announcement from Burlington, Ontario, by the Essentials Network of a formal separation from the Canadian Church.

Is the Archbishop of Canterbury proposing to withhold Lambeth invitations from English bishops?
(Anglican Communion news – 19/11/2007)

In The Daily Telegraph, 19 November 2007, Jonathan Petre reports that the Archbishop of Canterbury is preparing to target individual bishops whose pro-gay policies threaten to derail his efforts to avert schism by withdrawing their invitations to next year's Lambeth Conference. Is the Archbishop of Canterbury proposing to withhold invitations from English as well as bishops from other Provinces, the USA in particular, who in the perception of conservatives, are also pro-gay in their diocesan policy?

The conflict within the Anglican Communion can only be resolved when lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people are fully included
(Changing Attitude news – 16/11/2007)

There is only one possible outcome for the current crisis in the Anglican Communion - the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in the church, in lay ministry, as priests and as bishops, in every Province.

2014 Commonwealth Games – Our response to Abuja’s failed bid
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/11/2007)

At Changing Attitude Nigeria we are very disappointed at the outcome of the bidding process for hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Like most Nigerians we would have loved such an important international sporting occasion to come to our country. CAN issued a damning report about Abuja’s bid. Our disappointment is that the Nigerian government failed to respond to the issues we raised in time for the bidding process. We were not trying to stop Abuja’s bid completely, we were simply not prepared to support it at any cost.

Archbishop Akinola’s open letter to his fellow primates – a challenge from Changing Attitude Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 09/11/2007)

Archbishop Akinola wants to maintain the way in which the church has corrupted the truth of the Gospel from its original meaning rather than seek to establish the genuine truth in its original meaning. Therefore he is himself guilty of the accusations that Martin Luther aimed at the church so long ago.

Changing Attitude, Integrity and Inclusive Church develop plans for Lambeth 2008
(Changing Attitude news – 18/10/2007)

The Revd Susan Russell, President of Integrity USA and the Revd Caro Hall, a member of the Integrity Board, met leaders of Inclusive Church and Changing Attitude in London from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 October to develop an integrated strategy for the Lambeth Conference 2008.

Changing Attitude England responds to the HOB statement
(Changing Attitude news – 26/09/2007)

There is good news in the House of Bishops’ response as well as some disappointment for LGBT Anglicans. The response will help unite the Communion and further progress towards the full inclusion of LGBT people.

Changing Attitude Nigeria responds to the HOB statement
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 26/09/2007)

Changing Attitude Nigeria, after reading the response from the Episcopal Church House of Bishops, thanks them and welcomes their positive response to the commitment made by Lambeth Resolution 1.10 and repeated by the Primates of the Communion in 2005 and 2007 to listen to the experience of GLBT people in every Province.

Kunonga of Harare claims Zimbabwe bishop practices homosexuality
(Changing Attitude news – 12/09/2007)

Dr Nolbert Kunonga, bishop of Harare, Zimbabwe, is reported as having made the sensational claim that one of the bishops in Zimbabwe is practicing homosexuality. Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, said the attitude being adopted by some dioceses in Central Africa will lead to the further abuse of and prejudice against lesbian and gay people.

Changing Attitude Nigeria investigates Bishop Orama of Uyo
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/09/2007)

A member of Changing Attitude Nigeria (CAN) journeyed to Uyo last weekend to investigate the reports of the offensive language reportedly used about LGBT people by the bishop in an address to the Diocesan Synod.

Colin Coward reflects on the implications of Bishop Orama’s reported remarks
(Changing Attitude news – 08/09/2007)

The news about the homophobic remarks made by Bishop Orama of Uyo continues to develop. It is now clear that the Church of Nigeria office in Abuja didn’t know how to respond to the report, nor how serious the bishop’s remarks would prove to be.

CA England and Nigeria challenge Archbishop Akinola and Bishop Minns to condemn Bishop Orama
(Changing Attitude news – 07/09/2007)

Changing Attitude Nigeria and England ask Bishop Martyn Minns and Archbishop Peter Akinola to issue a statement immediately repudiating Bishop Orama's comments, condemning them as utterly abhorrent.

Davis Mac-Iyalla challenges Bishop Orama's attack on lesbian and gay people
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 05/09/2007)

Davis Mac-Iyalla expresses surprise that a bishop like Orama uses hostile language about homosexuality and calls people created in the likeness and image of God satanic.

Changing Attitude Manchester walks in Gay Pride Parade
(Changing Attitude news – 27/08/2007)

A group of thirty five people walked with the Changing Attitude banner in the gay pride march in Manchester last Saturday. We were greeted with whistles, applause and great warmth by the huge crowd watching the parade.

“Minns rewrites Akinola” confirms Changing Attitude’s long-held suspicions
(Changing Attitude news – 24/08/2007)

Changing Attitude is nor surprised by today’s revelation that Archbishop Peter Akinola’s letter to the Nigerian Synods was in fact mostly re-written by Bishop Martyn Minns. This confirms our suspicion that the agenda of Global South is to defeat any attempt to overcome prejudice against LGBT people and accept our full inclusion in the church. This agenda is driven by conservative Americans.

Davis Mac-Iyalla responds to the Minns rewrite of the Akinola letter
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 24/08/2007)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria, commenting on the involvement of Bishop Minns in the Akinola letter, said: “We believe that large sums of money have been received by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) from sources outside the country. When will Archbishop Akinola openly tell the world the sources the money is coming from to sponsor his frequent travels and the alternative Lambeth conference that he is planning in 2008?"

Archbishop Desmond Tutu appeals to Primates to put aside differences
(Changing Attitude news – 24/08/2007)

The Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Dr Desmond Tutu, a patron of Changing Attitude, has asked all the Primates to put aside their differences in order to deal with the world’s troubles in an open letter sent last week to his successor as Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, the Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane.

Bishop Gene Robinson interview to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4
(Changing Attitude news – 24/08/2007)

The Rt Revd Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire and patron of Changing Attitude, is interviewed by Michael Buerk for The Choice, to be broadcast next Tuesday, 28 August on Radio 4 at 9 a.m. He is to contract a Civil Partnership with Mark, his partner of 18 years, in June 2008.

CAN members witness court appearance in Bauchi
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 22/08/2007)

Three members of Changing Attitude Nigeria (CAN) attended the trial in Bauchi on Tuesday 21 August of 18 gay men arrested in a hotel on 5 August. Gorge and Tahir, both gay men, and Ifalade James, a lesbian member of the Church of Nigeria, all reported that the men when, accused of sodomy, denied the allegation.

Further news about the arrest of 18 gay men in Bauchi, Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 18/08/2007)

Changing Attitude has received further information about the arrest of 18 gay men in Bauchi. The number of men arrested in total was 18, of whom 13 are Moslems and 5 are Christians, 3 of the Christians Anglicans and 2 from another denomination.

Uganda: Kampala Homosexuals Speak Out
(International secular news – 18/08/2007)

In an unprecedented show of boldness, the homosexual community in Uganda yesterday came out and addressed their maiden press conference, complaining about discrimination and demanding acceptance by the public.

Members of Changing Attitude Nigeria Jos group among the 18 arrested in Bauchi
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 15/08/2007)

The leader of the Changing Attitude group in Jos reports that 5 of the 18 gay men arrested at the party in Bauchi last week are members of the CAN group in Jos.

Eighteen gay men arrested and remanded for alleged sodomy
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 13/08/2007)

Changing Attitude Nigeria condemns the arrest of eighteen men who have been remanded in prison for alleged sodomy in northern Nigeria.

Nigeria “unfit” to host 2014 Commonwealth Games
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 03/08/2007)

“It would not be right for the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held in Nigeria, given the country’s appalling human rights record, including its systematic persecution of lesbian and gay Nigerians,” said Davis Mac-Iyalla, founder and leader of the gay Christian group, Changing Attitude Nigeria.

Diocese of Hereford loses discrimination case against gay Christian youth leader
(Changing Attitude news – 18/07/2007)

The judgement issued against the Diocese of Hereford for discriminatoin against Mr John Reaney in not appointing him to the post of Youth Officer is a small but significant step forward for the movement towards the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in the Church of England.

Canon Akintunde Popoola repeats allegations against Davis Mac-Iyalla
(Changing Attitude news – 12/07/2007)

Canon Akintunde Popoola, Director of Communications for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has repeated the allegations of fraud against Davis Mac-Iyalla in a comment posted on 7 July 2007 on the web site TitusOneNine. Once again we ask Archbishop Peter Akinola and bishop Martyn Minns to instruct Canon Tunde to stop publishing false allegations against Davis Mac-Iyalla, allegations which have provoked threats to kill Davis.

Davis Mac-Iyalla meets Bishop Ben Kwashie at Church of England General Synod, York
(Changing Attitude news – 10/07/2007)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria met the Bishop of Jos, the Rt Revd Benjamin Kwarshie at an Anglican Mainstream meeting at York General Synod meeting.

Open letter to Archbishop Peter Akinola and Bishop Martyn Minns
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 25/06/2007)

Canon Popoola, Director of Communication for the Church of Nigeria has repeated false allegations against Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria. In an open letter to Archbishop Peter Akinola and Bishop Martyn Minns, Colin Coward and Davis Mac-Iyalla have requested them to ask Canon AkinTunde to stop publishing false allegations against Davis, allegations which have led to death threats against him.

Davis Mac-Iyalla addressess Executive Council of the Episcopal Church
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 14/06/2007)

Nigerian Anglican Davis Mac-Iyalla, founder of his country's only gay-rights organization, Changing Attitude Nigeria, spoke to the Executive Council of the Epsicopal Church on 13 June 2007

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria to visit UK
(Changing Attitude news – 06/06/2007)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, director of Changing Attitude Nigeria arrives in London on 5 July directly from speaking and preaching at events across the USA. His first engagement will be to attend the General Synod of the Church of England. In York he will talk at a fringe meeting at General Synod on 8 July and meet bishops and members of Synod. Davis Mac-Iyalla’s visit to the UK and USA is a contribution to the listening process to which the Windsor Report committed the Anglican Communion.

Declaration of the Anglican Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean (Global Center)
(Anglican Communion news – 02/06/2007)

Anglican bishops from Latin America and the Caribbean, meeting in San José, Costa Rica, May 18-22, released a declaration reaffirming their call for the Anglican Communion "to preserve its participative nature, diverse, ample and inclusive," characteristics they say are essential to Anglicanism.

Changing Attitude and Inclusive Church
(Anglican Communion news – 24/05/2007)

Changing Attitude England is a founder-member of InclusiveChurch and is committed to the goals and vision of InclusiveChurch. We take very seriously the challenges that have been extended to InclusiveChurch. We are working for a fully inclusive church, for LGBT people, our friends and families, for conservative evangelicals and everyone who has attacked and vilified us because of our sexuality. We do not believe there is any alternative to this radical challenge to the church, a challenge which took our Lord Jesus Christ to the cross.

Changing Attitude England regrets that bishop Gene Robinson has not been invited to the Lambeth Conference 2008
(Changing Attitude news – 23/05/2007)

Changing Attitude England regrets that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has not yet extended an invitation to the Rt Revd V Gene Robinson, bishop of New Hampshire, to attend the Lambeth Conference in 2008. This is a cruel exclusion which serves yet again to remind faithful lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Anglicans that we are not fully included in the church and are repeatedly excluded from the debate about human sexuality.

The Transexual Person is my Neighbour: Pastoral Guidelines for Christian Clergy, Pastors and Congregations
(Transgendered news – 21/05/2007)

These guidelines have been written to assist Christian leaders who are approached by a transsexual person, or their family, for pastoral support. Sadly it has sometimes been the person’s church that has proved most resistant to and uncomprehending of their decision to undergo gender re-assignment.

Message from Bishop Gene Robinson to the LGBT Christian leaders gathered in Togo
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 13/05/2007)

Bishop Gene Robinson sends greetings to the leaders in Togo in the name of the Risen Lord. Please know that you remain in my prayers, and in the prayers of so many, who care for you and for your plight.

Lome Statement issued by the leaders of Changing Attitude Nigeria and West African LGBT Christian Groups
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 13/05/2007)

The meeting this weekend, 11 to 13 May 2007 in Lome, Togo of 35 lesbian and gay leaders from West African Christian groups was a moment of history for LGBT Christians in Africa. The leaders represented groups from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Senegal and Togo met with leaders from Changing Attitude Nigeria.

Leaders of Changing Attitude Nigeria and West African LGBT Christian Groups meet
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 11/05/2007)

Leaders from the 9 Diocesan Groups in Nigeria have gathered in a hotel in Togo, West Africa, where they have been joined by the Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude England and the Revd Stephen Coles, Vicar of St Thomas, Finsbury Park and member of the General Synod of the Church of England.

CAN welcomes election of Dr Good Luck Jonathan as Vice-President of Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 24/04/2007)

Changing Attitude Nigeria receives with gladness the news that Dr Good Luck Jonathan is the Vice-President elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and cautions him not to push for the reintroduction of the bill against same-sex marriages, relationships and organisations that was lost in the last Assembly.

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This page was last updated on Monday, 18 August 2008