We work collaboratively in

Nov 29, 2023 / Faith Partnerships, Reflections

IAM’s 4th Ecumenical Queer Think Tank: Queering Allyship

IAM’s 4th Ecumenical Queer Think Tank took place in November at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town. This three-day gathering created a space for queer faith leaders to reflect and
engage in critical dialogue on queer-led and ally-supported initiatives for LGBTIQ+ recognition and inclusion in their faith communities.

Jun 15, 2023 / Faith Partnerships, Reflections

Pride Month: How can I be an ally in my church?

International Pride Month offers an opportunity for organisations and churches across the world, to demonstrate allyship to LGBTIQ+ people. Allyship refers to the practice of being in solidarity with those that are marginalised, excluded, or discriminated against. Over the past 28 years IAM has learned some valuable lessons about LGBTIQ+ allyship in local faith communities. Here are three aspects to consider when working toward your church’s inclusivity and affirmation.

Jun 14, 2023 / Reflections

Our Father for our time

Embrace a prayer for our modern era. Introducing 'Our Father for our time,' a heartfelt creation by Louis van der Riet, IAM Process Coordinator: Collaborative Faith Partnerships.

Mar 27, 2023 / Statements

HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA PROTEST IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE UGANDAN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

JOINT PRESS RELEASE24 March 2023 The protest follows the recent vote by Uganda’s Parliament to criminalize LGBTQ+ people. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA— Access Chapter 2 (AC2) together with partners are extremely appalled by the repugnant vote by the Ugandan parliament,...

Nov 23, 2022 / Faith Partnerships, Reflections

A new narrative for queer clergy in the Dutch Reformed Church

Drawing from learnings that have been developed over a long period of change-making pertaining to sexual diversity in the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), a four-day convening took place at the beginning of November at the Andrew Murray Centre for Spirituality in Wellington in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Nov 14, 2022 / Statements

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) statement on the airing of Sê Jou Sê “Is it okay to be gay” episode

– Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) was recently invited to
take part in an episode of kykNET talk show Sê Jou Sê, hosted by Aden Thomas. This particular
episode was entitled “is it okay to be gay?” and in addition to IAM’s representative Reverend
Michelle Boonzaier; Oscar Bougardt was also invited as a guest on the show.

Nov 7, 2022 / Faith Partnerships, Reflections, Regional partnerships

Training of Trainers 2022: A Reflection

Embodied facilitation can loosely be described as a process that allows the bearer to hold space in a conversation in such a way that an audience, or recipient, feels empowered, seen, heard and balanced. It takes cognisance of the notion that we are spiritual beings who have found expression in the physical. Through this process, participants are made aware of their bodily reflexes that are a manifestation of mental and emotional inclinations; why and how these happen. Michelene Benson brought this methodology to life with a group of about 22 participants at IAM’s Training of Trainers convening which took place in the last week of July, 2022.

Jul 7, 2022 / Reflections

Rev. Laurie Gaum: A devotee of the values of the Gospel, changemaker and Queer activist

Anybody who has had the pleasure of being in the presence of Reverend Louis Laurens Botha (Laurie) Gaum can attest to his gentle demeanour, inviting nature, and unwavering pursuit for justice. It comes as no surprise then, that Laurie was recently awarded this...

Jul 7, 2022 / Reflections

Statement on the passing of Reverend Siyabulela Gidi

The staff and board of Inclusive and Affirming Ministries note with sadness the passing on of Reverend Siyabulela Gidi, who was a changemaker and pioneer by any standard. Siya, as he was known to us, served as the secretary on our board from May 2012 until his...