Emily tells us what this weekend meant to her and why she became an SCM Member.
This was orginially shared by Emily Sanderson in the Sunday morning worship at Known By Name.
When deciding what church and group I wanted to be part of at University, I wanted a group that was LGBTQ+ inclusive, as although I’m not a member of that community, the people closest to me are. SCM was that group that had the same values that I have always had, and instead of being silent in their acceptance; are proud of it and campaign for inclusion in the wider church. As a result, I’ve found that I’ve been more open with my faith at University and having more conversations with non-Christians about faith because the community that I’m part of reflect how I’ve always felt.
This weekend has been a great opportunity for me to hear different viewpoints on familiar bible stories, Naomi and Kate both gave a great insight into queer theology and womanist theology, and I’m excited to read my bible again. Especially as it’s inspired a series of sermons I am working on. I’ve also encountered different types of worship and prayer from other Christian traditions that I hadn’t experienced before. As I come from a more evangelical background I realized when we were reciting The Lord’s Prayer I didn’t know the second half of it! I enjoyed trying some things that were different such as Taize or the structure of morning communion. Known by Name has been brilliantly refreshing and I’m happy to say I’m now a member!
If SCM sounds like a community you’d like to be a part of, you can get involved locally or nationally – we’d love to welcome you to the movement!