6 years ago I was ordained as an n independent priest not connected to any mainstream church, like many others at the time, just as today; I felt strongly that mainstream churches were taking the wrong direction in the ministry of meeting peoples spiritual needs. Then as now, churches across the world were more interested in politics and in house fighting rather than going out to meet people and tend to their needs.

Over the past 6 years a lot has changed in our world some things for the better, others for the worse. What I am sure is right and will continue to grow is the creation of ministries and denominations that maintain their independent way of life.

Sadly, there are those who try to create issues and malicious rumours to disown independent churches as fakes or modern sects with no meaning or role in society. I have also been subject to these attacks in Gran Canaria on numerous occasions by Anglicans, evangelicals and Catholics who only recognise their faiths and no one else’s.

I have also been barred from taking services at an Ecumenical Church on the grounds of non recognition of ordination and on the grounds of sexuality. Which  in mind is not only illegal in a world of equality, but shows that lack of understanding by so called mainstream churches moves them to be negative or indeed feel threatened by the increasing number of open and affirming churches that are spreading across the world.

Whilst I can prove my ordination in many ways, still I am subject to hate from members of the island that I live in, and still I carry on with my ministry.  Whether they want to be vindictive or not is no odds to me, as I know that I am a servant of Christ and follow the commission to go out and spread the good news to all people.

In the 6 years of my priesthood, I have seen a small church of St Sebastian grow into a worldwide community of affirming priests and lay members working from real churches in a real world. This has been an achievement that is scorned upon by some and openly welcomed by others.

So, in the past six years of service, I have ministered with my heart, gone out and met those in need and also joined together hundreds of couples in Holy Union, irrespective of their sexuality and this is something that I will continue to do until I am called from an earthly life to a life with my God in heaven.

To celebrate my anniversary of ordination is one thing, but this year is a time of change, a time to prove to everyone that not only am I a fully ordained and legal priest, but I am wanting to affirm this openly and publically.

Therefore, as I have said early this year is a time for change. In 28 days time, I will be marrying my partner of the last 6 years in a religious ceremony following a civil ceremony in Gran Canaria and this is being attended by many friends from the UK and Spain, plus a special person from America. This will be a joyous occasion encompassing faith and love in unity with each other.

The day after the wedding, after much thought and prayer, I will be joining the Progressive Christian Alliance, as a Priest and be moving the Community of St Sebastian’s across to the PCA at the same time to join forces in a greater affirming denomination where all are welcome without distinction.

There will be a public service of ordination held attended by people who attended my first ordination 6 years ago who are coming to mark the occasion. I have also asked to not be incardinated into the PCA but to be physically ordained into the PCA with the laying on of hands and the full act of ordination. I will also be inviting those who question my validity to the service as well.

In making my decision for change, I do so with the full support of my partner, family and friends.

I look forward to continuing my ministry as a servant of Christ until it is my turn to be called to my heavenly home. The only sad part of this celebration will be that my Grandfather, who was at my original ordination is no longer with us, but that photo of him with me sits on my study desk and will be in the chapel on the 14^th March surrounded by candles, as he is the true inspiration to my dedication and ministry to Christ for all people.

So, 2010 is a year of change for me, my marriage on the 13^th March and the affirmation of Ordination the following day when I will be using my new married name for the first time, I am taking my partners name and adding it to mine 

In the service these words will be used, and I firmly believe in these as I have done for six years

God and Father of all, we praise you for your infinite love in calling us to be a holy people in the example of your Son Jesus, who is the image of your eternal and invisible glory, the firstborn among many brethren, and the head of the Church. We thank you that by his death he has overcome death, and, having ascended into heaven, has poured his gifts abundantly upon your people, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ our Brother, give your Holy Spirit to N.; fill him with grace and power, and make him a priest in your Church.

May he exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people; offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation; and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make him a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise councilor. Grant that in all things he may serve without reproach, so that your people may be strengthened and your Name glorified in all the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Brother.

I trust that my friends across the globe will join me in Prayer on those days and in the future as we all work together in the One Unified Body of Christ to take the Inclusive Love of Christ out to all people across the world without discrimination and everyone will be treated as equal.