A church in Sunderland has been heavily criticised for draping a communion altar with a ‘Progress Pride’ flag, an updated version of the rainbow flag that features symbols and hues to represent trans, black and intersex people.
An image of the flag hanging from the table was posted on X by associate priest Jacqui Tyson, who said, “I’m proud to serve in a church that’s open to God and open to all,” before adding, “I like these folk and so does God.”
The incident took place at Sunderland Minster, a Grade-II listed church that can be a part of the Inclusive Church Network, a Church of England group that wishes to permit homosexual marriage inside the Church.
The decision to position the controversial flag on the altar was condemned as “exclusive” and a violation of canon law.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the Rev Dr Ian Paul, associate minister at St Nic’s, Nottingham, said, “This is a violation of canon law for 2 reasons … First, this isn’t inclusive, but exclusive – it excludes individuals who don’t accept the false claims of transgender ideology.
“Secondly, it distorts and misrepresents the aim of the Communion table, which is inherently ‘inclusive’ in that it invites all to share in and receive the gifts of bread and wine, which remind us that Jesus died for all.
“The Communion table because it is couldn’t be more inclusive. To suggest that it needs a flag or the rest adding to it to make it more ‘inclusive’ is a serious misunderstanding.”
This isn’t the primary time the flag has caused controversy inside the Church of England.
In February of last yr Naomi Gyane, the chancellor of the Diocese of Leicester turned down a request to drape the flag over the altar of a church inside the diocese. Gyane noted that canon law inside the Church states that communion tables can only be covered with a white cloth of “silk or other decent stuff”.
Gayne said that the aim of Holy Communion is to return to Jesus and remember his sacrifice.
“We come to the Communion table, to not forget who we’re or our identity, but to recollect the sacrifice of Jesus and our identity in Him.”
