YLGCs support Canon Jeffrey John at his Installation in St Albans' Cathedral

by Joseph

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Friday 2nd July 04. Jeffrey John, an openly gay priest, is to be appointed Dean of St Albans. The National Front has claimed that more than a hundred activists will march through the town in response. Extreme right-wing movements have been gaining confidence in Hertfordshire. Last year a BNP counsellor was elected in Broxbourne and the party hoped this would be their gateway to power within the capital itself. Upon learning of the fascists' plans, YLGC members support the counter demo organised by Unite Against Fascism.

"We should have abseiled down the Cathedral with a huge banner" said Joel, proving that no-one can agree what to do at protests.

Ruth preferred to describe the event as a celebration. It did have a strange dual nature. A gay man had overcome huge obstacles to achieve high office in the church, yet the National Front had expressed plans to march through the town in protest.

In the end the fascists did not show their faces. Around a hundred anti-fascist protestors, of which seven were explicitly Christian, marched from the Theatre car park to the town square.

Excited by the opportunity to proselytise, Rachel gave a series of impressive radio interviews while Joseph and Ruth pondered how to approach the secular heteroes. 'Repent & Invert' was the slogan hit upon. (Though we did not hit on anyone with it).

The day was a success. People of diverse backgrounds and perspectives can reasonably claim to have prevented a fascist march. Difficult problems loom on the horizon: continued emphasis on Dr John's celibacy threatens to divide campaigners. And we will also struggle to determine if and how Christians and non-Christians should work together to encourage reform of the Church. But for the time being it is right - and important - that YLGC celebrates what has been achieved.