In this podcast Craig Hutson talks about being part of the Salvation Army and also being part of the Faith Communities United in Love stall at Out in the Park.
Summary
In an illuminating interview at Waitangi Park, Te Aro, Wellington, recorded on February 24, 2018, a person identified as Craig Hutson discusses the intersection of faith and LGBTQI+ identity, specifically within the context of the Salvation Army and the wider faith community's journey towards inclusiveness. The interview, part of the podcast, "Out in the Park," facilitated by Gareth Watkins, delves into Hutson's personal experiences and the broader movement towards change and acceptance in religious communities over the decades from the 1980s to the 2010s.
The interviewee describes being a part of the "Faith Communities United in Love" stall at the event "Out in the Park," which represents a collaboration of LGBTQI+ individuals, allies, and members across diverse faith groups. The coalition aims to spread love and challenge anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments within faith communities. Representing individual perspectives from several denominations, including St Andrew’s on the Terrace and St Peter’s church, the members strive to address historical attitudes within these institutions, particularly within the Salvation Army.
Navigating a dual identity as both a Salvationist and a part of the LGBTQI+ community, the interviewee reflects on the struggles endured, especially during the years leading up to coming out approximately five years prior to the recording. The journey discussed involved reconciling family relationships, self-affirmation, and dispelling the belief that Christian faith and LGBTQI+ identity are mutually exclusive. Additionally, the interviewee acknowledges the hardships faced by the Salvation Army during the 1986 Homosexual Law Reform, explaining the ongoing efforts to educate and create dialogue within the organization.
The interviewee believes in the power of patience, visibility, and open conversation to effect gradual change within the Salvation Army. The personal account given emphasizes the fundamental change in the individual's life post-coming out, the largely positive reception from family and community, and the significance of maintaining visibility to organically foster change.
The conversation also touches upon more recent progressive steps taken by the Salvation Army, such as endorsing the expungement of historical convictions of gay men. The individual’s personal ties within the Salvation Army and their family's supportive stance highlight an evolving narrative within religious spaces concerning LGBTQI+ issues.
The audio caps with a reflection on the experience of participating in "Out in the Park" as a visible member of both the Salvation Army and LGBTQI+ community. The recollection signifies a shift from initial hesitancy to empowered public presence and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, fostering understanding, and facilitating the reconciliation of faith with one’s authentic self.
The interviewee's insights are framed against the backdrop of ongoing societal and religious progression, capturing a significant transitional period in New Zealand's history with regard to LGBTQI+ rights and acceptance.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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Tags
1980s, 2010s, acceptance, aotearoa new zealand, christianity, church, closet, closeted, craig hutson, criminal records (expungement of convictions for historical homosexual offences) act 2018, education, expungement, faith, faith communities united in love, family, fundraising, gender identity, homosexual law reform, homosexual law reform act (1986), homosexual law reform petition, intersex youth aotearoa, isolation, out in the park (wellington), parents, petition, petition on historic convictions, pride, salvation army, salvationist, st andrew's on the terrace, st peter's church, visibility, waitangi park, wellington
Tags (computer generated)
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