Anglican Pastor Criticised for LGBT Flag on Church Altar

A female Anglican pastor in northeast England is facing strong criticism after placing the trans-inclusive Progress Pride flag on a communion table, an act some Anglicans argue violates canon law and is “not a Christian emblem.”

Sunderland Minster, a Grade II-listed Church of England venue affiliated with the progressive advocacy group Inclusive Church Network, has displayed the multicoloured banner in its Bede Chapel, according to The Telegraph.

The Rev. Jacqui Tyson, an associate priest at the church, shared images of the draped altar on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m proud to serve in a church that is open to God and open to all. I love these folk and so does God.”

Sunderland Minster’s website emphasises its commitment to welcoming people of diverse backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, with its motto: “Open to God: Open to All.”  The church describes itself as “a faithful and lively Christian community” dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment.

The move has sparked significant opposition from some members of the Anglican Church. The Rev. Ian Paul, associate minister at St. Nic’s in Nottingham, argued that placing the flag on the communion table was a breach of canon law.

“This is not inclusive, but exclusive—it excludes people who do not accept the false claims of transgender ideology,” Paul said. He further stated that the flag’s presence “distorts and misrepresents the purpose of the communion table,” which, he emphasised, is already open to all individuals regardless of identity, as they are invited to share in the bread and wine.

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Under canon law, communion tables must be covered with a plain cloth of white, silk, or another suitable material.

The gender-critical advocacy group LGB Christians also condemned the display, calling the flag “a distinctly un-Christian emblem” that should be removed. The group argued that its presence is “illegal and utterly alien in the context of Anglican worship.”

“Above all else, the Progress flag symbolises one of the greatest threats to safeguarding and an inducement to betray medical and educational good practice while also being theologically illiterate,” the organisation stated.

This is not the first time the display of the Progress Pride flag in Anglican churches has been challenged.

In 2022, St. Nicholas’ Church in Leicester sought permission from the Diocese of Leicester to permanently place the flag on its altar, arguing that it symbolised God’s redemption of the world through Christ, including LGBTQ individuals, people of colour, and trans-identified people. The church compared the struggles of LGBTQ individuals to Jesus’ suffering during His crucifixion, according to the Daily Mail.

However, in February 2024, Chancellor Naomi Gyane denied the request, ruling that “the Progress Pride flag is not a Christian emblem.” She described it as a secular symbol representing various issues and emphasised that canon law requires the communion table to remain covered with a suitable cloth to maintain focus on Jesus’ sacrifice for all who partake in the sacrament.

The controversy highlights ongoing divisions within the Church of England over issues of gender identity and inclusivity in Christian worship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola

Picture Credit | https://en.wikipedia.org/