On Saturday, 16th November 1996, Southwark Cathedral, with the full approval of its Provost and the Bishop of the Diocese, hosted a Festival organized by the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement. Such an action was bound to cause deep offence within the Christian community at large, yet it was not at first obvious what the most effective method would be of countering what many saw would result in the dissemination of misinformation and misguided propaganda. For several years now, the evangelical organization Reform has graciously invited Cost of Conscience to jon in its deliberations, recognizing that some at least of the battle which we have been fighting have made us effectively co-belligerents. Accordingly, I was moved to suggest at a meeting of Reform Southwark that a National Day of Prayer and Fasting should be organised throughout that day. In Southwark, thanks to the hospitality of its Vicar, the occasion was held at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Bermondsey, just down the road from the Cathedral where the LGCM Festival was taking place. A gratifying number of people came to pray (including the Bishop of Southwark) and similar events were held up and down the country. I was always of the opinion that such a Day of Prayer and Fasting was just a beginning, and that in due course it would be revealed to us what we must do next. It was therefore no surprise that the idea of a Teaching Day with a team of experienced speakers before and invited audience should be received with enthusiasm by all those concerned. The event took place on Tuesday 16th September 1997 at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square. Fifty people of widely different backgrounds, interests, insights and traditions were present and during the course of the day a great deal of information was imparted to us. We hope that by publishing these lectures in this form to enable others to enjoy the benefit of being able to base their opinions on sound, factual knowledge. Francis Gardom
