Members of the Village Church, a chaplaincy that meets in the LGBT Foundation on Sackville Street, took part in the Manchester Pride Parade for the first time this year.
The Village Church is led by a small team of clergy including Revd Michaila Roberts, Revd Cath Eccles and Revd Paul Pritchard and shares the message that the love of God in Jesus Christ is for everyone. They were joined by members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies for the parade including members of the Church of England in Wythenshawe team.
Then on Sunday Evening, the Pride Eucharist service took place at Manchester Cathedral in partnership with The Village Church and Open Table Network. The service was led by the Revd Cath Eccles from Village Church and the Revd Nick Birnie-Campbell, Open Table South Manchester and the Ven. Karen Best, Archdeacon of Manchester preached. Watch it back here.
Earlier this month, the Progress Flag was raised so that it was flying high on the Cathedral's West End Tower during the Pride Parade as a symbol of love, support and inclusion.
Reflecting on the event, Revd Paul said, "Members and friends of Village Church had a wonderful time at the Manchester Pride Parade on Saturday. Their message was simple and clear "You Belong, God Adores You", the response was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. The Pride Eucharist was such a joy filled service celebrating LGBTQ+ lives and God's radically inclusive love for all."
