Metropolitan Community Church Sydney extends a formal invitation to the LGBTI community.
Metropolitan Community Church Sydney (MCC) is proud to announce Father Rod Bower, known throughout the world for his provocative church signs, will be the keynote speaker at the Christmas Eve service at Sydney Town Hall on December 24.
Pastor of MCC Sydney Rev Greg Smith applauded Father Bower for his strong statements supporting the rights of the LGBTI community and asylum seekers. Rev Smith noted that this year’s service, held every year in Sydney Town Hall, would have a special focus on including asylum seekers.
“This Christmas we really want the LGBTI community to stand up for those on the receiving on end of societies animus. We LGBTI people know only to well what it’s like to be a persecuted minority and we want to make sure our Christmas Eve service is as inclusive as possible for those wanting to start a new life in this wonderful country. We feel Father Rod will really bring that focus to a head,” Rev Smith said.
Smith noted that this was the first time an Australian Anglican priest had spoken at an MCC Christmas Eve Service and he was especially mindful of the risks that Father Rod had taken within the Anglican Church, especially from the more conservative Sydney diocese.
“He’s had people leave his church and I think it’s high time MCC Sydney and the LGBTI community acknowledged the work of Father Rod in support of marriage equality and LGBTI rights,” Smith said.
MCC Sydney has in recent times extended its ministry to refugees, helping several LGBTI asylum seekers who were at risk of deportation or were stuck in detention centres to find residency and employment in some cases. “This Christmas when we’re opening our presents in front of our Christmas trees, I’d really encourage our community to spare a thought for those less fortunate, especially young children, stuck in detention centres as a result of the cruel policies of both major parties,” Smith said.
Christmas Eve 2014 at Sydney Town Hall will feature a heart-warming array of Christmas Carols and solo performances. The Sydney Homotones will be performing the MCC Sydney Singers choir with solo performances from Julia Wee and Paul Gaspar.
“As usual our musical offerings are going to be a great show stopping offering of your favourite Christmas Carols and more,”
Rev Smith said.
Find out more on MCC Sydney’s website.
Where: Sydney Town Hall
When: 7.30pm December 24 2014
Tel: (02) 9569 5122
Email: [email protected]
