THIS MONTH Pride In Liverpool is back on the streets, with the theme #ShoutItLoud. Why not show your solidarity and join other Christians At Pride?
On Saturday 29th July, the Open Table communities on Merseyside, and people from St Bride’s, along with other local inclusive churches, will march, and host a community stall. On Sunday 30th, a reflective service in the Lady Chapel of Liverpool Cathedral at 6.00pm will round off Pride weekend.
You, your friends, family and congregation members are very warmly invited to join in the march! Christians at Pride is a collaboration of groups nationally which exists to provide a joyful, loving, inclusive, ecumenical Christian presence at Pride festivals. Whether you're young or old, catholic or evangelical, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, or straight, you'd be so welcome to come and join in!
Each year the festival takes a theme and this year it is #ShoutItLoud. You’re invited to come as you are no matter what your ethnicity, gender, sexuality, belief, or however you define yourself, in celebration of equality and diversity and in the knowledge that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Feel free to dress or bring placards/banners to express yourself on this theme.
How do I join in?
1 - Let us know you’re coming: Contact Warren ASAP by email: liverpool@opentable.lgbt to let us know if you’d like to march, and if you’ll be bringing friends, family or folk from your church or community. We will then share with you where the group will muster. We're expecting a large group so we'll gather from 10.30am. This gives the stewards time to get the march organised. The march begins at midday until 1-1.30pm, from St George's Hall to the Pier Head.
If you're anxious about taking part let us know and we'll match you up with a 'buddy' from the Open Table community which may help to make this more accessible for you.
2 - What to wear: Come as you are - be as fabulous as you want and comfortable as you can. If you want options:
Buy our NEW Open Table t-shirt for £15 (£10 concessions) See images right
If you are ordained, please consider wearing your dog collar and/or a stole/scarf. Rainbow collars optional!
3 - Make placards: Come to St Bride’s, Percy Street, Liverpool L8 7LT on Monday 24th July 4.00-7.30pm to create placards or banners to carry during the march, sharing a positive Christian message. Come when you can, go when you must.
Don't think you're creative? Richard, Kieran and Moon will be on hand to help you get inspired.
Alternatively make your own at home or in your church and bring them along on the day. Or if your church has a banner, bring it!
4 - Help out on the Open Table stall: We will host a stall in the community tent. If you could spare an hour or two to help between 10.30am and 6pm on Saturday 29th July, let us know - email liverpool@opentable.lgbt.
5 - Open Hands: for Pride @ Liverpool Cathedral, a service of reflection, prayer and anointing Sunday 30th July 6.00pm. Visit Liverpool Cathedral's website for more details.
6 - Extend the invitation: If you know of any other people or churches who would love to show their support please extend the invitation or send their details to us and we’ll do it for you
Why is Pride in Liverpool at this time?
Pride in Liverpool is held on the nearest weekend to the anniversary of the day Merseyside teenager Michael Causer died, following a brutal homophobic attack, on 2nd August 2008.
We look forward to welcoming you #ComeAsYouAre.