Reflection on being a Queer Christian

Growing up in the UK during the 90’s, I struggled to reconcile my identity as a gay man with my Christian faith. The Church of England’s teachings and societal messages left me feeling excluded and sinful. By 18, I accepted my identity but felt forced to leave the church, believing I had to choose between faith and being true to myself.

However, I never truly felt abandoned. A persistent, loving presence remained, guiding me and showing me that God had not forsaken me. Revisiting the Gospels, I realized Jesus’s message was about love and inclusion, not rejection. It wasn’t God pushing me away, but human institutions. Embracing my queerness became a reflection of jess’s teachings.

At 27, I returned to the church, initially for fostering, which led to a deeper involvement. I became a Sunday school teacher, joined the PCC, and served as a Churchwarden. This experience led me to pursue becoming a Licensed Lay Minister and eventually co-founding Derby Inclusive Fellowship, where I now minister full-time while seeking ordination in an affirming denomination.

Living openly as a queer Christian Minister has been transformative. I hope to encourage others struggling with faith and identity. Galatians 3:28 reminds me that Gods love transcends all divisions: “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female, for you are all on in Christ Jesus.” I hope my journey shows that faith and queerness are beautifully intertwined with and in God’s love.

- Terry Nash Minister of Derby Inclusive Fellowship