Peter Lineham(March 2013)

In the podcast interview between Peter Lineham and Gareth Watkins, Lineham reflects on their journey in spirituality and the challenges faced as a member of the Auckland Community Church. Their involvement with the church began during a period of personal turmoil, as their previous church, the Open Brethren, a fundamentalist group, became increasingly suspicious of Lineham's identity. This suspicion led to ostracism and eventually highlighted the need for a safer, more accepting religious community.

Detailing the history of the Auckland Community Church and its connection to the wider LGBTQ+ community, Linham describes the church's origins in the 1980s, stemming from a small group that met at Saint Matthew's. The discussion encompasses the various phases of the church, from being an Anglican offshoot to its association with the Metropolitan Community Church, which later separated due to ideological differences. The interview touches on the church's role during significant periods of gay liberation and law changes, emphasizing the community's support in light of legislative struggles like the Homosexual Law Reform and later Civil Unions.

Lineham also shares the personal impact of being involved in churches, underscoring the importance of a faith community that nurtures the inner life and provides a sense of wholeness. They recount experiences of standing up against church-based opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, such as during the fight for civil unions, and the church's role in speaking out during periods of high-profile social justice debates, including Destiny Church's anti-civil-union march.

The congregation's demographics and its evolution over time were discussed, noting the tendencies toward single older members and the fluctuating attendance based on individuals' needs and transitions. Lineham also mentions the differences between the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with marriage and civil unions over time, culminating in a strong stand for marriage equality due to the discriminatory nature of past and present opposition.

The interview concludes with Lineham reflecting on how their faith has integrated their personality, helped them relate to others, and continues to foster their dedication to helping people within the community.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Peter Lineham

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