Betty Harper, a 21-year-old charity worker from Llanddulas, Conwy county, is on a mission that reflects both her deep personal faith and the challenges she faces as a gay Christian. Engaged to her partner of two years, both women share a common goal: to practice their Christianity in a community that fully accepts them. Unfortunately, their search for such a space in their locality has so far been in vain, pushing Betty towards a revolutionary decision—to start her own church.
Raised in a household where her father was a pastor, Betty’s upbringing was entrenched in strict Christian doctrine, which unequivocally denounced same-sex relationships as sinful. This messaging conflicted with her own understanding of her sexuality from a young age. Betty’s journey towards accepting herself was fraught with internal conflict and external condemnation, particularly from her family and the church community. Her father, upon learning of her feelings towards another girl in her youth, responded with disapproval, leading Betty to silence her struggles.
The Intersection of Faith and Identity
Despite the adversity, Betty’s faith remained unshaken. She continued to work closely with her religion, stepping into a pivotal role at a Christian charity founded by her mother. This position not only allowed her to extend her hand to those in need but also to navigate the complexities of her faith as a gay woman. The rejection she faced, both within her family and from the broader church community, has been a source of profound pain and contemplation. It has forced her and her partner to confront and deconstruct years of harmful conditioning around their identities and worthiness in the eyes of their faith.
Betty’s relationship with her partner, Hannah, began in a church setting, highlighting the paradox of seeking solace in a place that often harbors the very sentiments they wish to escape. Their experiences in various churches have been a mixed bag of conditional acceptance and outright exclusion, particularly regarding their marital status and involvement in church activities. The couple’s desire for a wholly accepting faith community led Betty to the idea of establishing her own church—a space where love and acceptance are paramount, free from the constraints of traditional dogma.
Envisioning a New Kind of Church
The concept of Betty’s church is one of radical inclusivity, not limited to LGBTQ+ individuals but open to all, regardless of their faith background. She imagines a vibrant, modern space that breaks away from conventional worship practices, encouraging freedom of expression and genuine community. Betty’s vision extends to the architectural and cultural makeup of the church, aiming for a setting that appeals to younger generations while welcoming anyone drawn to its message of unconditional love.
As Betty and Hannah plan their future, including a wedding in 2025, they hope to establish a church that not only serves as their spiritual home but also as a beacon for others who have felt marginalized by traditional religious institutions. Their journey is a testament to the enduring power of faith, even in the face of adversity, and a call to reexamine what it means to be a community of believers in the modern world.