Queer Joy: Identity, Faith and Ritual

For queer Christians, faith and spirituality are central components of our identity. There is also a growing number of queer folk who are interested in exploring spirituality but don’t quite know where to start.

Queer Joy offers an opportunity to share stories, experiences and reflections of LGBTQ+ and queer lived experience while also exploring a deeper experience of faith and the Divine, leaving with a positive understanding of queer joy.

Throughout the week, there will be workshops which include individual, group and creative experiences. These will enable personal reflection and consideration of our relationship with God and one another.

You will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of creative activities such as crafting, journaling, poetry/prayer writing, Lego and queer mandalas.

You will also be able to create an individual plan of activities that you can take home with you and use on your own or in your communities.

This programme is open to all, whether you identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum or beyond, whether you’re queer or questioning, whether you are new to exploring faith or have done so for decades. Allies and friends to the community are very welcome!

Please note that we will adopt an anti-oppressive and inclusive approach throughout the programme.

Programme Leaders

Maxwell Reay is a gender queer trans man. He has been clergy in Metropolitan Community Church since 1993. He volunteered with MCC Bath, MCC North London and MCC Edinburgh. He served as an Elder in MCC from 2021 to 2024. He was a Healthcare Chaplain in the NHS for 18 years. These days, he leads “Our Tribe”, the LGBTQI+ ministry at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh. This is a joint ministry with The United Reformed Church and MCC.

Lewis Reay is a queer trans man who lives with his husband of 30 plus years. He is a liturgist and has been published in the United Reformed Prayer Handbook for several years. He writes prayers for use in worship services as well as for a variety of personal and community activities. He is a member of Metropolitan Community Church and Augustine United Church, Edinburgh.

Costs

6 Nights: £960 per adult, £480 concession.