Presbyterian minister resigns over Pride parade controversy

In Dublin, Ireland, Rev Dr Meyer resigned from her position as minister emerita of Christ Church, Sandymount, following a series of complaints against her. These complaints stemmed from her open support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and her participation in the 2024 Dublin Pride parade. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) had previously adopted a policy in 2018 that barred individuals in same-sex relationships from being full Church members, making Rev Dr Meyer’s support particularly controversial within the context of church doctrines. Prior to her resignation, Rev Dr Meyer faced multiple investigations, including a disciplinary inquiry in 2021 for endorsing a homosexual relationship. Rev Dr Meyer expressed that the ongoing disciplinary processes were flawed and had caused her significant personal distress. In her statements, she described her resignation as “one of the most painful decisions of my life,” highlighting the emotional toll that the complaints and investigations had taken on her. In November 2024, after attending a hearing held by the PCI Judicial Commission—essentially a church court—Rev Dr Meyer announced her intention to resign. This decision came after a previous complaint regarding her attendance at the Dublin Pride parade garnered considerable attention within the church and the broader community. A spokesperson for the PCI expressed regret over her resignation, though affirmed that it was a personal decision for her. As a consequence of her resignation, Rev Dr Meyer is no longer able to perform essential church duties such as officiating weddings and conducting baptisms. Professor Ruth Whelan, a fellow Presbyterian who supported Rev Dr Meyer during the hearings, noted that she also attended the Dublin Pride parade, illustrating a split within the church about how LGBTQ+ issues are viewed. Meanwhile, Rev Dr Meyer has articulated that her actions—grounded in compassion and ethics—have led to her facing accusations of disrupting the church’s peace and unity, a circumstance that has highlighted broader tensions within the PCI regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance. These tensions reflect ongoing debates in religious institutions about inclusion and the rights of individuals within faith communities, underscoring the challenges faced by ministers who advocate for social change against established norms.