The Reverend Godfrey Wilson introduces a service reflecting on homosexuality. It was held at St Peter's church in Wellington on 26 June 1967, and broadcast live on National radio. In June 2017 a special 50th anniversary church service was held to mark this landmark sermon. A detailed log of this recording is available on the LAGANZ website.
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The church service, held in Wellington and broadcast live on National radio, represented a pioneering effort in discussing homosexuality within a religious context during the 1960s.
The service opens with Reverend Wilson acknowledging the gathering's theme: understanding homosexuals in society from a Christian perspective. The structure includes New Testament readings, a short story, and a dialogue, culminating in intercessionary prayers. The narrative focuses on 'John,' a fictional homosexual character, to explore societal attitudes and challenges faced by homosexuals at the time. John's story illustrates the internal and external conflicts arising from societal prejudice, including their struggles with self-acceptance, societal rejection, and legal ramifications of their sexual orientation.
Throughout the service, various scriptural passages are interpreted, juxtaposing traditional Christian views on homosexuality with emerging understandings of sexual orientation. The dialogue portion critically examines these perspectives, questioning the notion of homosexuality as a choice and the associated moral judgements. It highlights the complexities of sexual orientation, the societal consequences of stigmatization, and the need for compassion and understanding.
Reverend Wilson's approach is notable for its time, attempting to reconcile traditional Christian teachings with a more empathetic understanding of homosexuality. The service emphasizes love, acceptance, and the need to refrain from harsh judgement, aligning with broader Christian values of compassion and understanding. It concludes with prayers for homosexuals, seeking greater societal understanding and more just laws, reflecting a progressive stance for its era.
This church service represents a landmark moment in the history of the church's engagement with LGBT issues, illustrating the early stages of a more inclusive and compassionate approach within religious contexts.
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