How To Be A Good Christian Ally
Wednesday 25th October 2023
A new resource for progressive Churches and communities.
While the national denominations and traditions continue to argue over their stance on the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, the Student Christian Movement (SCM) and OneBodyOneFaith have joined together to publish a resource for churches who want to take a step further along the journey, and who want to grow not only as allies to LGBTQ+ people but also in their own faith too.
How To Be A Good Christian Ally is the first in the Affirming Christianity
series, a project led by SCM. Rather than debate Biblical verses that
cause disagreement, this short course seeks to offer ways to explore the
idea of allyship in the bible, and as a church, as well as to learn
from LGBTQ+ stories.
Revd Naomi Nixon, CEO of SCM, says:
‘We believe that the future of the church is affirming. Campaigning
to get there is important, but we also need to prepare for that future.
We want to create discipleship resources which inspire and equip
affirming Christians for the years ahead, for the future God is calling
us into.’
Intentionally simple and accessible, the structure of the course
introduces key principles, bible studies and exercises, as well as a
video made by students to convey their experiences and identities. It is
a dynamic, engaging, and thought-provoking resource that is a timely
and necessary addition to the ongoing national dialogue.
One student said:
‘Allyship isn’t just saying quietly to the queer person you know,
“We’re glad to have you here.” That’s just being a reasonable human
being. Allyship is going out and actually doing something about it.’
Luke Dowding, Chief Executive Officer of OneBodyOneFaith adds:
‘This resource is moving the conversation forwards. Whilst it remains
important to have the challenging debates, it’s vital that we don’t
forget about our churches who are seeking support in their journey in
how to be a good ally to LGBTQ+ people. OneBodyOneFaith is delighted to
partner with SCM on this, continuing our work so that LGBTQ+ people can
thrive, not just survive.’
The three-session course is available to purchase as a booklet with downloadable videos from www.movement.org.uk/affirmingchristianity
The next course to be published will be ‘Progressive Evangelism’ and it is due to come out later this academic year.