Who we are

We are a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual Christians who believe that the issue of homosexuality is one on which Christians may reasonably disagree. We accept and respect a wide variety of opinions: we consist mainly of people who believe that same-sex love is in keeping with their faith, those who are re-examining their views and those who recognise celibacy as a valid lifestyle.

Most of us have been or remain evangelical. Too often we have encountered discrimination within the churches. Some of us have encountered opposition to our views, relationships and ministries, and the Church has often seemed unwilling to address the issue in any helpful way. However, we do recognise growing efforts within the churches to reconsider their points of view.

Greenbelt Festival Executive had, throughout the late 1980s, allowed College House to address the issue of homosexuality and Christianity. As a consequence, a number of gay and lesbian Christians identified each other. Out of this, a "No Agenda" space was developed at Greenbelt. This allowed lesbian and gay people and their friends to meet and pray together. Individuals were personally affirmed and challenged. Leading out of this our group, "Safety Net", was formed. "Safe Space" was and is a proving space for this affirmation at Greenbelt. In parallel to this, the wider Christian communities began discussions around homosexuality and Christianity. This was reflected in seminars and discussions on issues of human sexuality.

What we can give

• different outlooks (eg unique insight into relationships)
• space for questioning without judgement, including young people
• our faith, love, prayer, joy and worship
• empathy with people who come from discriminated minorities
• strength of faith that comes from struggling in churches which are sometimes intolerant

Our aims and organisation

We exist because of Greenbelt, and our work is directed towards it. Our aims can be summarised as:

• support of lesbian, gay and bisexual Christians;
• maintaining the profile of the issue of homosexuality at Greenbelt and ensuring full and open discussion;
• looking at the relationship between Christian spirituality and sexuality.

In fulfilling these aims we have dialogue with Greenbelt management, but we receive no formal support from the festival. We are not part of its structure or that of any other group.

Our own organisation is informal, consisting of a mailing list and contact people. Decisions are made at open meetings during the year.

The Safe Space

Our main activity is the Safe Space at Greenbelt, an informal opportunity to make contact, meet together, chat and worship. We run a bookstall with material on faith and sexuality. The Safe Space is an "attitude-free zone", and we ask anyone attending to do so in that spirit.

Email James at the [email protected]
if you want further information about the group
or anything else in this web site.