Religion and homosexuality are at the best of times, strange bedfellows, and rightfully so. It is no secret that right-wing, conservative, religious ideologies have told us that we are not free to love whomever we want. Unfortunately this excommunication has had dire consequences for those whose faith is a major part of their life. Fortunately for all of us, affirming churches such as Hillhurst United have opened their doors to everyone, and taken the plight of these "Religious Refugees" to heart.

Religious Refugees is a three part program running at Hillhurst United. As a United, affirming church, Hillhurst’s pews are full of different faiths, gender identities, and sexualities. Hillhurst is well aware that many of their constituents have come from very painful backgrounds that reject them due to who they are, and Religious Refugees attempts to tackle these issues head-on. It is hoped that with this program, each attendee is able to explore their own faith without any inhibitions.

Joanne Anquist of Hillhurst United, and facilitator at this event took some time to talk to GayCalgary Magazine about the program.

"I run into many people who were raised in conservative, religious communities. They were ‘true believers’ and the church was an important part of their life. But, for whatever reason, it is no longer a place they call home. They have been ostracized in some way-because they have come out as gay or lesbian, because they don’t believe all the things they were taught as children, because they find the expectations too restrictive and oppressive. They are ‘refugees’ from the world they call home, and they are looking for a way to be a spiritual person without having to compromise who they are. This is an opportunity to get together with fellow travelers and have honest conversations about spirit struggles without judgment – nobody will try to convert you or tell you you’re a sinner!"

Pam Rocker, Communications Director for Hillhurst is also enthusiastic about the program. "Many people grew up in church or religion that marginalized who they were in some way, and this resulted in a spiritual abuse. It is tough when one is rejected from the church and are searching for a place to heal and discuss. Most people think that all churches treat God in the same light and that is what the sole definition of Christianity is. This is not true, especially at Hillhurst. This is a perfect opportunity for people that have experiences negativity to come to."

Again, unless you are a member of Hillhurst United or the United Church in general, the thought of going to a church program is probably daunting, especially when you are a proud member of the queer community. This point has been taken by both Joanne and Pam.

"The invitation that Hillhurst puts out to everyone is ‘Whoever you are...wherever you’re at...join us on the Journey.’ We live by that. It doesn’t matter if you are a person of deep faith who has been spiritually abused by another church, or you are a person who has lost their faith, or never had any, but are curious about the faith stories of others; you are welcome to join the conversation. Everyone is invited to participate, but nobody is obligated to speak or share. It is a safe place to be who you are," Joanne asserts.

Pam adds, "The church in general hasn’t been good at two things: apologizing (recognizing the hurt even if they are not directly involved), and creating safe spaces for everyone and never questioning one’s motivations. I have had a similar experience as have many disenfranchised people of faith. I wanted to explore my sexuality within a safe space. It is common for people especially in the queer community to have grown up with very backwards rules, where if they do one thing that is perceived wrong, everything is wrong. It is definitely a culture of guilt."

Joanne continues, "Many at Hillhurst United Church are members of the queer community. They have been marginalized by traditional religious communities and told they are sinners, and unworthy. We believe it is our responsibility as a Christian church to speak out against religious homophobia, and to welcome all into our community as valued members.

"I am particularly drawn to those who were raised in conservative Christian traditions, because I was as well. I had a friend in my church that was gay. He prayed for ’healing‘ and believed God would make him straight. When it didn’t stick, he left the church, and has never really returned. But he has always been searching. He is the reason I left that conservative community of faith - because if there was no room for him, there was no room for me. My litmus test for being part of a church is whether they are truly welcoming to members of the LGBT community. Will they speak for the marginalized in the face of the hateful words which come out of other religious communities? We welcome those who have been displaced from their communities of faith and trust that they will find a spiritual home that accepts them for who they are. One of the great things about Hillhurst is that it doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight - it is not the only thing that defines you. You are welcome to participate fully in our community."