Anglicans from across the Diocese joined together for a joyous day of celebration and support as part of Vancouver Pride weekend on Sunday. The festivities began with a very moving 8am Holy Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral – attended by 130 people. The congregation was led in worship by Clare Morgan playing harp and Ginger Shaw on piano, with the Ven. Ellen Clark-King preaching and the Rev. Laurel Dykstra as guest presider. The 60 or so people who stayed on after the service were treated to a lovely brunch prepared by Cathedral attendees.
From there, participants walked to the Pride Parade staging area. A truck – decked out in rainbow fabric and streamers - was available for some to ride in, and signs and banners ready for the parade. Anglicans representing St. Paul’s, Vancouver, a stellar delegation from the North Vancouver deanery and others from as far East as Abbotsford marched in the parade carrying signs such as “God’s Love and Justice for ALL”. The Anglican “Church Lady” was a huge hit – carrying a sign that read “God loves absolutely everybody!”.
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets to watch the parade, and Anglican marchers of all ages handed out 2,000 cards that read “SMART and friendly with a passion for justice – a church just like you!” – inviting people to visit the Diocesan website. Anglicans from the Diocese of New Westminster have participated in the parade for many years and were greeted with a very warm reception from the crowd.
Images: Top and homepage, proud Anglicans at the parade. Left, the Church Lady returns. Below 1, The North Van contingent. Below 2, The St. Paul's contingent. PHOTOS BY David Facey-Crowther and Melanie Delva