People's Ministers - a choice of ceremony for the gay community

Online, July 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Findhorn, Forres Many people don't think about where they could find personal and meaningful, guaranteed open minded and open hearted ceremony and support until they're in need of it - and if they don't know it exists or where to find it they might end up opting for a ceremony that disappoints in some way.

S and J Bratton of Wiltshire searched the internet looking for the right site until they came across Interfaith Minister ( http://www.gayceremony.org ) Reverend Akasha Lonsdale. They said "We'd set the date of our Civil Partnership, but really wanted the occasion to be a bit more special than a guest appearance in a registry office. We decided that after the legalities were over, we would indulge ourselves in a blessing in our beautiful back garden in front of all our family and friends. Sounds easy? We searched thousands of internet sites to find someone to do our blessing which was extremely frustrating and soul destroying."

This is all set to change with this new website. Rather than being Ministers of Religion, you could say Interfaith Ministers are Ministers for People and this new website has been introduced to inform and enable same sex individuals and couples to easily find a form of ceremony to suit their every need.

Interfaith Ministers have the greatest reverence and respect for existing religious and spiritual paths and organisations, and wish to offer an additional choice to every day people for marking life's big events. They believe ceremonies should always be a reflection of the occasion - the joy and celebration of ceremonies of marriage, commitment or blessing children; the sadness and celebration in honour of a life at a funeral or memorial.

Of the funeral for his mother one gay man said of the Interfaith Minister who held the ceremony "Thank you for your patience, kindness and understanding. The compassionate way you spoke about someone you never met, delivered in such a beautiful way, made for a wonderful service. You captured M's life honestly and perfectly in a tribute which made us feel so proud of her. I left the service feeling sad but uplifted."

Inside or outside a ceremony takes place wherever the couple or family choose. Simple or elaborate, traditional or alternative, the Minister works to ensure he or she understands exactly what's needed. They don't just open a book or download a script and change names, they take the time to work with a couple or family until they have created and written a ceremony to reflect every one of their needs.

All ministers use deep listening and a series of questions to ensure that all aspects of the ceremony have been considered - Adam and Ben Pope had a marriage ceremony held by Reverend Sally Nancy Gardner - Ben commented afterwards "Sally helped us to pick out what we considered important, what we valued most, what we wanted to achieve from the day, and what aspects of the day we would want to take with us forever".

Your ceremony is held sensitively, respectfully and authentically in a way which welcomes and includes all those gathered, whatever beliefs are present in the room - religious, spiritual, non or part religious. Interfaith Ministers believe it's possible to welcome everyone - gay, straight, faith or no faith, because those who are gathered together are there through their desire to offer their love and support - to witness and celebrate the couple, to honour the life of the loved one who has passed on, or to bless and name the child.

This is about ceremony with freedom and flexibility to respond to your wishes and vision - only and exactly what you need - nothing more, nothing less, nothing else!

Gino Meriano, Founder of Pink Weddings sums up "One of the most amazing things I experienced was the way Interfaith Ministers interact with couples. I loved the style, approach and genuine passion in always wanting to make a couple's ceremony special.

Their unique touches and personal approaches blew me away, left me tingling with excitement and almost brought a tear to my eye.

A wonderful way to unite and celebrate two people in love, I have always and will continue to support the great work Interfaith Ministers do around the UK."

Angie Alexandra Tel 01309 692523 / 07940 735555

Conclusions

For Gay or Lesbian Ceremonies ( http://www.gayceremony.org ) - a Civil Partnership ceremony, wedding, funeral, naming or something else - please visit http://www.gayceremony.org

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