ABOUT DIVERSE CHURCH
Diverse Church is a network of Rainbow Christians across New Zealand. We desire to see local churches become safer places where LGBT+ people can fully participate.
We promote Affirming Churches that proudly proclaim the Good News of God’s love for everyone.
Together we encourage one another to;
- Embody a healthy & authentic Christian faith
- Find safe & meaningful community
If you are a Rainbow Christian, we would love to meet you and encourage you in your journey too!
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe in:
The inspiration of the Bible, the Word of God.
The Triune God, eternally existent as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The supremacy of God the Father, who created all things seen and unseen through Christ our Lord.
The deity of Jesus Christ, only begotten Son of the invisible God, firstborn over all creation, fully God and fully man, head of the church, author and finisher of our faith; His death for our sins; and His resurrection and eventual return.
The regenerative power of the Holy Spirit, whose fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
We are a group of LGBT+ Christians from all around Aotearoa, who are passionate about connecting our community to Jesus Christ and supporting churches to become inclusive and affirming of our diverse family.
Neil Ballantyne
Craig Watson
Originally from the Hibiscus Coast in North Auckland, Craig grew up in Baptist Churches and developed a passion for pastoral care, working in prisons and youth ministries. Craig studied Theology at Carey Baptist College and then moved to London to work on the Olympic Games and then for one of the UK’s largest churches, HTB. Craig returned to NZ and became a passionate advocate for the LGBT+ Christian community. He has appeared on TV and Radio talking about the importance of church’s affirming and supporting this community. Craig now lives in Queenstown, NZ and is a project and event manager.
Cherie Bouma
Ian Blythe
Jodie Wolrich
I am a passionate LGBT advocate, originally from London, now living in Wellington! I studied a BA in Theology and spent a large period of my final year writing a dissertation supporting same sex attraction & marriage from a biblical perspective. I believe that being an ally is hugely important, we have a responsibility to support and stand up for the LGBT community! This can not be an isolated movement.
Wez van der Linde
Wez van der Linde
Wez is a creator. You’ll find him writing, reading, making music, wondering, dreaming and most importantly connecting with like minded people. He recently published his first book ‘Space for the Spectrum: A Gay Christian’s Search for Meaning and Authenticity’ and aims to release another two projects within the next year.
Craig Hutson
Craig Hutson
Craig Hutson grew up in the Salvation Army and currently attends the Salvation Army in Petone, Wellington. In recent years, coming out and learning to accepted his sexual identity as a Gay man has coincided with his need to reconcile the equally important part of his identity that his faith and spiritual heritage make up. He is involved in LGBTIQ advocacy work within the Salvation Army, but also within Christian and Interfaith settings.