Diocesan News15 Nov 10

LGBT Award for Cork Church of Ireland Clergyman

At a dinner and awards ceremony in the Imperial Hotel, Cork on Friday, 12th November 2010, the Reverend Brian O’Rourke, Rector of the iconic Saint Anne’s Church, Shandon in Cork was shortlisted for and was the ultimate winner of the ‘Straight-up’ Rebel Award in the Rebel Awards – Cork’s Annual LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Awards.

The awards are given for outstanding contributions to the life of the gay community in Cork. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Dave Roche, in introducing the nominations for the ‘Straight-Up’ Rebel Award, pointed out that the gay community cannot exist in isolation.

The St Anne’s Parish Vision Statement states clearly that all are welcome to worship there, whether straight or gay. Brian was nominated because active expression is given to this inclusive church policy in the hosting of special services for the LGBT community. An Annual Remembrance Service and a special Christmas Carol Service are two events which are greatly appreciated by the LGBT community in Cork.

Having been announced as winner of The ‘Straight-Up’ Rebel award, the Rev’d Brian O’Rourke said that he was very sorry for the hurt that had been caused to the gay community through exclusion and was very pleased to accept this award on his own behalf and on behalf of the congregation in St Anne’s.