We're lighting the steeple of Saint Marks Church, Fitzroy (Melbourne), in Bishop's colour purple as a SYMBOL OF APOLOGY to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community & for the sufferers of HIV/AIDS who have also been subjected to the same ill-informed stimatisation by the church.

This is being done in honour of Bishop John McIntyre, a wonderful straight ally who died - suddenly and unexpectedly - last month. WE ARE SHOCKED BY THIS LOSS AND WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT HIS MESSAGE IS NOT FORGOTTEN.  

(Scene from VICKY - THE GAY GENE COMES TO AUSTRALIA, where Bishop John McIntyre speaks to Father Stuart Soley.)

"I have found that if essentially you are open and that you say, yes we got it wrong, it's amazing how that can begin a new conversation with people. And I think that the church publicly and in our face to face interactions with people has got to do that. And I take every opportunity to do that."
Bishop John McIntyre.


The steeple will remain purple throughout the duration of the 20th INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE to give hope to the international delegates that are often fighting an uphill battle against conservative Christian views - in the creation of beneficial policies. 

The event will open with the Apology Mass : Celebrate a New Beginning, at 7pm July 19.
With a special address by Anthony Venn-Brown.

Hear from Father Stuart"I am very conscious of the influence the western churches have on those places which struggle with dealing with HIV-AIDS in huge numbers. That influence prevents good preventative strategies and reinforces stigma. Not all christians in the west believe these things.
We want our voice to be heard as well."
Father Stuart Soley

In some parts of the world the stigma is increased by negative views about same sex attraction, promoted by conservative elements in the churches. Unfortunately there are many countries where this is exacerbated by the criminalisation of homosexuality in 40 of the 53 Commonwealth Of Nations countries - based on narrow religious beliefs, who's origins go back to the Anglican Church and British laws imposed on the world during the creation of the Commonwealth.   

At present, our country doesn't allow same sex marriage, which may give the impression to our guests that there is not an overwhelming support within Australia. So we believe that it's important to make sure our steeple shines bright purple as a symbol of apology for all the attitudes which obscure the central message of the Gospel which is that God accepts all his creatures - regardless of sexuality or HIV status - and that the core of that acceptance comes from God's unending and irrefutable love.

Bishop Gene Robinson pointed out during a visit - here at St Marks - last year that it's going to take religious people to undo the harm that religious people have done. 



This is the trailer for VICKY - THE GAY GENE COMES TO AUSTRALIA where Bishop Gene Robinson words can be heard. 

We believe in a God who loves us all!

Program of Events

Coming to St Marks

• Replace all floodlight bulbs for maximum brightness. 
• Repositioning of one of the floodlights so that the complete spire is lit.
• Install and dismantle special coloured light filters. 
• Install coloured lights inside the church for enhanced experience for visitors. 
• Additional lighting hire.
• Rigging of some of the world famous AIDS Quilts inside the church
• Scissor lift hire.
• Resources to handle extra candles and fire protection.
• Additional cleaning costs.
• Dedicated promotions/project manager.
• Promotional material & Press Kit.
• Electrician costs.
• Labour costs.

Our biggest obstacle is time. So we hope you will help us spread the word quickly, so many others may join us in amplifying the significance of this event.