A church in Sunderland has been closely criticised for draping a communion altar with a ‘Progress Satisfaction’ flag, an up to date model of the rainbow flag that features symbols and hues to signify trans, black and intersex individuals.
An image of the flag hanging from the desk was posted on X by affiliate priest Jacqui Tyson, who mentioned, “I am proud to serve in a church that’s open to God and open to all,” earlier than including, “I like these folks and so does God.”
The incident befell at Sunderland Minster, a Grade-II listed church that can also be a part of the Inclusive Church Community, a Church of England group that needs to permit gay marriage throughout the Church.
The choice to put the controversial flag on the altar was condemned as “unique” and a violation of canon legislation.
Chatting with The Telegraph, the Rev Dr Ian Paul, affiliate minister at St Nic’s, Nottingham, mentioned, “It is a violation of canon legislation for 2 causes … First, this isn’t inclusive, however unique – it excludes individuals who don’t settle for the false claims of transgender ideology.
“Secondly, it distorts and misrepresents the aim of the Communion desk, which is inherently ‘inclusive’ in that it invitations all to share in and obtain the items of bread and wine, which remind us that Jesus died for all.
“The Communion desk as it’s couldn’t be extra inclusive. To counsel that it wants a flag or anything including to it to make it extra ‘inclusive’ is a critical misunderstanding.”
This isn’t the primary time the flag has triggered controversy throughout the Church of England.
In February of final yr Naomi Gyane, the chancellor of the Diocese of Leicester turned down a request to drape the flag over the altar of a church throughout the diocese. Gyane famous that canon legislation throughout the Church states that communion tables can solely be coated with a white fabric of “silk or different respectable stuff”.
Gayne mentioned that the aim of Holy Communion is to return to Jesus and keep in mind his sacrifice.
“We come to the Communion desk, to not overlook who we’re or our id, however to recollect the sacrifice of Jesus and our id in Him.”
