Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement: 7 Key Events in Group's History

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement has faced many challenges since its founding in the United Kingdom. It has become a major international charity to promote the rights of lesbian and gay Christians in their attempt for acceptance into traditional religious circles.

Here are seven key events that took place during the group's history:

1. The organization started as the Gay Christian Movement in 1976. Local chapters began forming in 1977.

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2. Several affiliates of the organization were formed over the years. They included the Women's Group in 1978, the Evangelical Fellowship in 1979 and the Young Lesbian and Gay Christians in 2000.

3. The Gay Christian Movement officially changed its name to the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement in 1987 to recognize the women working with the movement.

4. The LGCM relied on the donations and subscriptions to periodicals from members for financial support. As more eminent theologians supported the movement's cause by speaking at its conferences or writing books and pamphlets, the organization also benefited with sales from its reference library.

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5. The challenge of obtaining acceptance from churches and faith-based organizations spread over the years. The LGCM is also involved with human right issues, including the defense of lesbians and gay Christians fearing deportation when seeking asylum. In addition, the organization defends lesbians and gays from abusive methods of reprogramming to deny their choices.

6. As the 20th anniversary of the organization approached, a service with more than 2,000 people was held in November 1996 at Southwark Cathedral. It was the first Anglican Cathedral service held for lesbian and gay Christians in Britain. John Gladwin, the Bishop of Guildford, presided over the service as preacher.

7. The LGCM applauded Pope Francis and the Roman Catholic Church following a synod by bishops in October 2014. The bishops urged the acceptance of lesbian and gay Christians into the church. The change in tone by Catholic leaders represented "a significant shift in thinking and a brave move by those willing to affirm their support for gay and lesbian people," reports Anglicanink.com.

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