Sixteen marchers joined our CLC contingent at London Pride 2026 for a (literally!) warm walk through the centre of town, bearing the message that ‘You Are Loved: Who You Are, As You Are, All You Are.’ Spectators along the route braved the hot July Saturday in sunshine and shade, finding encouragement in words of unconditional welcome from church people, many wearing their clerical garments and proclaiming God’s acceptance of all persons.
CLC marchers shared why they felt it was important to ‘walk their talk’ and participate in this year’s parade.
‘Jesus is always together with those who have been oppressed, those who have been excluded, those who are still humiliated and those who are killed because of their identity,’ expressed Rev. Māris Sants of the Lutheran Church in Great Britian. ‘We march to make society better, to be together with Jesus.’ Dressed in traditional clerical black with his white collar, Rev. Sants attracted much attention along the parade route from spectators grateful to witness a powerful image of what has traditionally been used against them, now representing the open and loving arms of God in Christ. Hear more participant testimonials on our YouTube channel.
Member church representatives from the Norwegian Sjømannskirken in London joined our merry band, and also bringing many smiles was our friendly ‘leading lizard’ (aka Coda Renken of St. Anne’s Lutheran Church in London), bearing the CLC name sign. Each in their own unique way brought a personal element to our united front.
Rev. Meelis Süld, CLC General Secretary, summed up the day: ‘Marching is an act of solidarity; it’s not a secret that the church has historically been against the LGBT+ Community, and it is important to give an affirming and inclusive message that everyone is welcome.’
See more images of the day on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
