The Rev Malcolm Johnson, a clergyman who affirmed gay friendships and was deeply committed to his church's work with homeless people, has been remembered for his exceptional faith and courage. In a letter to the editor, a correspondent recalls first meeting Johnson in 1985, describing him as a clergyman who affirmed gay friendships, was deeply committed to his church's work with homeless people, and possessed deep personal faith.
Meeting Malcolm Johnson
At the time of their first meeting, the correspondent was tiptoeing around God and was astounded when Johnson told them that Jesus Christ is alive today. The broadsheet papers were generally supportive of Johnson's contribution to the 1987 debate at General Synod, and the correspondent phoned afterwards to thank him. Johnson replied that it would not have been possible to debate human sexuality at synod even 20 years previously, and while he was prepared to put his head above the parapet, he hoped that it wouldn't be pecked off.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Rights
The correspondent guesses that Johnson was passed over for senior roles, no matter his suitability for them, colleagues' respect, and the work he had done, because he openly affirmed gay and lesbian people. Johnson's courage in affirming gay friendships and his commitment to his church's work with homeless people left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
