“I cannot believe that my dream has actually come true. Over twenty years ago, we met in secret as gay clergy in Cape Town, always dreaming of a day when we could be openly recognized. I never thought the church would reach this moment.”
The first Proudly Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) marked a historic moment as LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies from different regions and generations gathered for recognition, solidarity, and shared stories.
This three-day event, held in Bryanston, Johannesburg, from October 24-26, highlighted the journey and struggles toward inclusivity within the MCSA. Participants shared personal narratives and collective experiences, emphasizing the embodied realities of queer people in the church. Video interviews captured some of these powerful stories, contributing to a living history of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the denomination.
Organized by the LGBTQIA Connexional Task Team, the conference underscored the MCSA’s commitment to advocacy for gender justice, inclusivity, and equity. Established in 2019, the Task Team has since partnered with other organizations and MCSA structures to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and pastoral care for queer individuals.
By centering the lived experiences of attendees, the conference provided a healing space where stories could be shared openly. It also celebrated the perseverance and courageous leadership of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have remained steadfast in the church despite slow institutional change. This gathering broadened the vision of what church spaces can be — restorative, humanizing, and filled with hope. It served as a testament to the idea that theology is shaped by our lived experiences.
The conference’s opening liturgy emphasized solidarity across struggles for liberation within both the MCSA and society, drawing inspiration from voices like Simon Nkoli and Steve Biko. Attendees were reminded that the journey toward LGBTQIA+ recognition is part of a broader “quest for true humanity.”
Methodists from diverse backgrounds, including both laypersons and clergy, attended, along with allies from other denominations, enriching the ecumenical movement for LGBTQIA+ recognition. Sessions explored themes like allyship, youth involvement, biblical engagement, network-building, and inclusive language around gender and sexuality.
Former Presiding Bishop Rev. Purity Malinga, a former member of the Task Team, was honoured for her long standing support of queer clergy. She offered words of encouragement to attendees, affirming that while full recognition is “immanent but not fully realized,” change will come through the courage of queer Methodists: “Live your truth, and truth will be known; truth will make you free.”
