Churches across the Diocese of York joined together at the start of June to take part in York Pride. Under the banner of ‘Christians at Pride’, dozens of Christians from a variety of denominations took part in the parade and ran one of over 150 stalls during the festival.
The free event, first held in York in 2012, begins with a gathering in York city centre and a parade to the Knavesmire Racecourse. There, they are greeted with music, food, stalls, games, and more, all celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
York Minster held a ‘pre-pride’ event the evening before, allowing after-hours access to the cathedral followed by compline. Alistair, a singer in the choir at York Minster, said the service was “a great opportunity for people who might have never set foot in the Minster before to come and look around. It’s fantastic to welcome people into the Minster and to think about what the following day might bring.”
One participant highlighted the importance of a strong Christian presence at Pride: “I think it’s a wonderful example of an ecumenical gathering with one purpose – to let people know that they are loved by God. We never know who we might encounter, or how much someone might need to hear that they are loved, affirmed, and celebrated for the wonderful person that God has created them to be.”
outsideIN – a worshipping community for LGBTQ+ Christians based at St Luke’s, York – helped to organise the day’s activities. Visitors to the Christians at Pride stall added white hearts with their names to a banner (pictured) which read ‘I am wonderfully made’, echoing the words of Psalm 139.
A volunteer on the stall said, “It was such a privilege to be part of Pride 2024. We were positioned right by the main stage so were able to share in the music and acts while also welcoming people into our tent to talk about the ways that our churches are engaging with the LGBTQ+ community.”
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