St Andrew's on The Terrace Celebrates Inclusive Community

St Andrew's on The Terrace Celebrates Inclusive Community

Twenty years ago – on 8th December 1991, the people of St Andrew’s on The Terrace Presbyterian Church declared themselves to be an inclusive church and nailed a rainbow sign to the front of the church announcing this stance to the city.

This past Sunday December 4th 2011 they marked the 20th anniversary of this declaration by reaffirming the commitment during a special service.

The sign still identifies the Church as a place where all are welcome – people of every creed, race, class and sexual orientation.

Sandra Kirby, Convenor of the Parish Council for Wellington’s St Andrew’s on The Terrace says: “Our community feels strongly that the love of God extends to all people and we aim to demonstrate this in our faith community.”

“Too often people find churches to be places of judgement and we believe this is counter to the Christian message. We look forward to the day when all churches and are inclusive.”

In 2002, St Andrew’s called an out gay minister, Rev Dr Margaret Mayman, to be their minister. The congregation is thriving as a place where gay and straight people gather together despite the exclusive rulings of the Presbyterian denomination.

The church has continued to be a place of welcome and hospitality for all members of the Wellington community, not just on Sunday but through the week as it makes its splendid facilities available to Wellingtonians for music and dance, education, spiritual renewal, social justice and community activities.

“This anniversary enabled us to reaffirm and celebrate who we are,” said Dr Mayman. The work of hospitality and welcome continues in our connections with people who have come to New Zealand as refugees and as we become more inclusive of people with disabilities. Our next project is to achieve full disabled access to our facilities through installation of a ramp and lift in the hall building.”

ENDS

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