30th August 1998

By Tuck Leong

[Read what happened that day.]

Events

Towards the end of Sext we re-enter the Cathedral, gather round the font, affirm our commitment to justice while renouncing the wickedness of prejudice.

Why are we protesting?

During the Lambeth Conference, Gay and Lesbian people were invited to speak at a presentation. This was voted out by a group of conservative bishops with violence and vehemence.

Abusive words have been hurled at us, being compared with child-molesters and people who practice bestiality and called devils and people damned.

The proceedings of passing resolutions went on in very morally-questionable means. Our Archbishop [Moses Tay] has been at the fore-front of the conservative group.

While a resolution was passed to share studies on human sexuality, our Archbishop has attempted to block that, saying he would not welcome "unhealthy filth" from the liberal dioceses.

For more on the Lambeth Conference, visit:
http://www.churchnet.org.uk/news/files3/news056.html

What do we hope to achieve?

Nothing significant as yet. The Archbishop is unlikely to change his mind. We believe, however our actions will make known the fact that there are gay parishioners in our diocese and that we need not be silent victims of oppression.

Are we loud protestors?

No. We decided that a relatively less offensive approach is the most appropriate means at the moment. Our liturgy is said semi-private though we will be seen and possibly observed.

How can we be recognised?

Look out for a rainbow-coloured pride flag. Do join us, and for more information, write to tuckleong-lee@usa.net. If you are not able to be present with us, do take time to pray parts of our Mid-Day office.

One: We are here to protest the ways gay and lesbian people have been abused by bishops during the Lambeth Conference. We are here to protest the ignorance and unwillingness to listen.

All: If we are to keep silent, these stones will cry out!

Invocation

One:

Our help is in the name of the eternal God.
Who is making the heavens and the earth.
Eternal Spirit,
flow through our being and open our lips,
that our mouths may proclaim your justice.

Psalm from Psalm 55

All:

Listen, God, to my plea,
do not ignore my cry.
Listen and answer,
I shake with grief
at the furor of my enemies.
They threaten and attack me;
they shout out curses,
venting their anger against me.

One: Sixty bishops met in secret and banned lesbian and homosexual campaigners from addressing them during the Lambeth Conference, comparing them with child molesters and people who practiced bestiality.

My heart is pounding,
I can feel the touch of death.
Terror holds me in its grip,
trembling seizes me.
"If I had wings like a dove,
I would fly far and rest,
fly far away to the wilds
to escape the raging storm."

"Repent of your sin. You have no inheritance in the Kingdom of God. You are going to hell. You have made yourself homosexual because of your carnality," shouted the Bishop of Enugu, Nigeria.

If my enemies insults me,
I can bear it;
if a foe rises against me,
I can hide myself.

Our Archbishop Moses rejected the idea of a study of sexuality because he wouldn't want "unhealthy literature which is quite polluting".

But it is you, my own friend,
the one that I knew so well.
With you I could always talk,
even as we walked to the temple,
my companion amid the crowd.

As of August 11, 148 Lambeth Bishops apologised for any sense of rejection that has occurred and were committed to listen to us giving their continued respect and support.

From Psalm 40

I waited and waited for God.
At long last God bent down
to hear my complaint,
and pulled me from grave
out of the swamp,
and gave me a steady stride
on rock-solid ground.

God taught me a new song,
a hymn of praise.
Seeing all this,
many will be moved
to trust in the Lord.

I celebrate your justice
before all the assembly;
I do not hold back the story.
Lord you know this is true.

Your maternal love
surrounds me, Lord.
Your sure and tender care
protect me always.

Glory to God: Eternal Majesty,
Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, so now,
and shall be forever. Amen.

Lesson

Listen and Proclaim! The Word of Christ!

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

"Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes on mint and rue and all the garden plants, while neglecting justice and the love of God. These are the things that you should practice, without omitting the others.

"In reply, one of the experts in the law said, 'Teacher, in speaking this way you insult us too.'

Jesus replied, 'Woe to you lawyers as well! You lay impossible burdens on the people, but won't lift a finger to lighten them.

" 'Woe to you, experts in the law! You have taken away the key to knowledge. And not only haven't you gained access, you have stopped others who were trying to enter!' "

Hymn

When Christ was lifted from the earth,
his arms stretched out above
through every culture, every birth,
to draw an answering love.
Still east and west his love extends
and always, near or far,
he calls and claim us as his friends
and loves us as we are.

Where sex-u-ality or race
divide us to our shame,
he sees not labels but a face,
a person, and a name.
Thus freely loved, though fully known,
may I in Christ be free
to welcome and accept his own
as Christ accepted me.

Brian A. Wren (b 1938) alt.
Music: Kingsfold
Hymnal 1982 #603

Prayers and an Affirmation of our Baptismal Covenant

Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy.

Holy and Mighty, Redeemer and Liberator,
Have mercy.

Holy Immortal One, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have mercy.

Holy Trinity, One Mystery-Circle of Love,
Have mercy.

From fear, hatred and an unwillingness to listen,
Save us, God.

From prejudice and bigotry,
Save us, God.

From manipulation through fear and authority,
Save us, God.

From the idolisation of your word to degrade and abuse,
Save us, God.

From Pilates who would crucify your people,
Save us, God

From cynicism and destructive anger,
Save us, God.

From passivity in the midst of oppression,
Save us, God.

O Wildly Inclusive God,
who loves all the beautiful rainbow of human sexual orientation,
give life,
redeem life,
stay with us forever.
make a home in all churches that call themselves the body of Christ:
for bisexuals, gay men, heterosexuals, lesbian women, and transgendered persons.
At times we are overwhelmed and hurt by this angry exclusion.
At these times let us realise how much hurt you are. (Pause for silent prayer)
Come, Holy Spirit, come! Free your people!
Amen.

Let us proceed in peace.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Save us, God!

(we move into the Cathedral gathering around the Baptismal font)

At some point of our faith journey,
we have promised to renounce the works of wickedness and turn to Christ.
Many times we have been rejected and discouraged.
Yet here, the Love of God is still celebrated,
and we still dance to the rhythm of God's Reign.
Let us renew the commitments that we have made.

(turning to west to face the entrance)

We reject the works of darkness
and all that seek to separate humanity from the embrace of the Creator.

Demons of intolerance and of hatred.
We compel you in the name of Christ!

Demons of ignorance and of bigotry.
We compel you in the name of Christ!

Demons of judgementalism and manipulation.
We compel you in the name of Christ!

Let your works of evil pass away. May God's reign come on us.
Maranatha! Come, Jesus come!

(facing East, towards the Chancel)

We believe in God the Creator,
We affirm the goodness of creation.

We believe in Christ the Redeemer,
We choose the path of life and liberation, seeking and serving Christ in all persons.

We believe in the Holy Spirit.
We promise to strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.

Spirit-Wind, love us to justice. Hold us tight to your bosom until we know beyond words the goodness of our Spirit while linked with yours. Then may we hold hands and stride together into the play and the work and the life that is ours to live with you. Keep spiriting your breath within us, and may we keep saying yes.
Amen.

God, our mother, father, friend, and lover, send us out from this place knowing in our hearts that we are your people and that no one can take that gift from us.
We go in sadness, laughter, joy and hopefulness from this time of prayer and remembering.

For us and all oppressed people, this is our hope:
Next year, and next year, may all be free!

Some portions of the liturgy have been adapted from the New Zealand Prayer Book and Selections from "Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations"; edited by K. Cherry and Z. Sherwood.

Psalter texts have been translated by ICEL.

Background music is the tune to which we will sing "When Christ was lifted from the Earth" during the mid-day prayers.