Church for the Socially Excluded

Have you ever been to a church, walked in the door, and immediately felt like you accidentally walked onto a theatre stage by accident during a performance. Have you also been to a church, where on leaving you become aware of the sign-up vultures circling around the foyer, desperate to make contact with this 'new person'.

Entering a church for the first time is daunting, and the well meaning greeters make it even the more difficult, especially when the next week they ask you exactly the same questions as they have forgotten your face.

Imagine what going to church is like then for those who already feel socially excluded? Let me set up a scenario and see if you can catch some anxiety:

Karen is a 24 year old crossdresser living in a medium sized city, but a city that has not really embraced any measure of inclusivity. Karen was bullied at school, especially after turning up on leavers day in opposite gender clothing. The social media aftermath had driven her into a summer of depression.

Being raised in a Christian home, Karen had a remnant of faith, though now, in addition to the teachings of Jesus, Karen had added a blend of Eastern Mysticism, Social Justice, elements of Liberation Theology and the podcastology of Brene Brown and Nadia Bolz-Webber. This smorgasbord of teachings were all underpinned by a love of nature, climate concern and a desire to connect physically with the earth.

Karen's hunger for spirituality was left unsatiated, and no amount of online meetings, podcasts or books could take away the desire to interact with other humans in relationship of faith.

Karen summoned the courage to take a leap into a church gathering, wearing a long black hair, mid length floral dress and flat shoes, Karen entered the building.

Can you imagine the fear, trepidation and doubt for Karen, as well as the shock for a congregation of people living by and large in a time capsule of religious safety.

This scenario could have taken many forms, because it was never about who is outside the door, and always about those on the inside. How can we be truly inclusive, inclusive in a way that would make Karen feel free to come and go without having to change the person they truly are?