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Toronto, ON
M5G 1B1
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Sun. 10:30 am, 2:00pm;
Wed. 12:15 pm

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Pride 2006

SARA BOYLES
June 25, 2006

Fearless in 2006. Isn't that the theme of Pride this week end in Toronto? For most of us our time to be fearless was several years ago when no churches were taking part in the Pride parade and Pride festivities.There were few other churches openly struggling with the issues of Anglican/Christian/glbt folks in congregations. Even then Holy Trinity had already hosted MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) and Chat dances. The community had welcomed Alison and Joyce and later Jim Ferry as well as other queers and integrated them into the life of the parish. As Pogo says, "They are us." I was once in a conversation where a parish priest was asking when we had our first gay warden. I remember thinking that has never been a consideration here. Secondly, I realized I don't think about who is gay (as opposed to something else). It's simply part of the tapestry of our marvellous diversity.

With that history we come to this Pride Day with a ho hum attitude. Many parishioners are heading out of town or busy with other things. (There was a time it would have been important to march in the parade as a witness to justice.). I struggle marching under a banner that reads "Proud Anglicans" and literature that says we welcome queers into our congregations (but not into our rectories, parishes and into blessed let alone married partnerships). Hence I am happy Holy Trinity members will be found among the Gay/Lesbian contingent from overseas, Equale, the NDP, the Lutherans, that we are represented in the work of the 519 Community Centre, etc. We are there finding our way to be faithful and full of witness to a sea of people who are hungry for community, often spectators not participants.

At the same time, I am glad we are celebrating Pride, that there are Anglicans ready to march in the parade today and work at matters of inclusion more fully than I can. There are parts of the world that are
strengthened by the open ways developing in our country through our activities. I am glad that Robbie and Hannah are our preachers today. They are pioneers and models for children everywhere - raised in a loving home, living into their fullness. I am glad we have gathered together once again to worship God and to connect with that centre which brings us to wholeness. (Thanks to Carole for co-ordinating.)

I will do my best to find my way to the Parade marshalling area but it won't be by one o'clock. I have several other commitments this afternoon so may or may not make it. With a baptism at nine and a marriage ceremony at 12:30 I might be a little late to meet up with everyone. Then I will go the birthday party at the beach! If anyone changes there mind about participating in the parade or wants someone to go with I could be persuaded to prioritize this. If not, I can give you the info - it's not too late!

Happy Pride, O Fearless Ones!

November 30, 1999