Perfect love drives out fear

What would Jesus do?

Harbour Faith Community is an open and affirming Christian church, as all churches should be. We acknowledge that throughout history, the Christian church has often condemned and excluded people on the grounds of race, culture, age, gender, economic status, disability or sexual orientation. While the church has made progress in being open and affirming to many groups, there continues to be condemnation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons from the community of faith, or at least, a tolerance of such condemnation and exclusion through silence.

We are convinced that such actions are inconsistent with Christ’s teachings.

We are therefore committed to becoming a community of faith-keeping and faith-seeking people who affirm that every person has worth as a unique creation made in the image of God. We recognise, celebrate and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We declare ourselves to be an open and affirming congregation, welcoming into the full life and ministry of the church persons of every race, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and economic status.

We are committed to modelling a community of faith and spirit that works toward openness and understanding - offering justice, healing and wholeness of life for all people. We are convinced that through our diversity, all can grow and practise a unity of faith that transcends our differences.

We proclaim this statement of welcome especially to those who have known the pain of exclusion or discrimination in the church and wider society. The call to follow Jesus is not an easy one for any of us, but whatever our race, sexuality or gender - we’re all in this together.