A church in Bede has received criticism for draping its altar in a flag bearing pro-trans symbols.

Sunderland Minster displayed the Progress Pride flag, which features symbols affirming the LGBT+ community, with extra stripes to recognise black people and people who identify as gender queer.

It has previous been banned for use in the Church of England, which does not condone same-sex marriage.

Grade II-listed Sunderland Minster is part of the Inclusive Church Network, which wants to see the church permit same-sex marriage.

Associate Priest Rev Jacqui Tyson said on social media: “I’m proud to serve in a church that is open to God and open to all. I love these folk and so does God.”

Rev Dr Ian Paul disagreed, telling The Telegraph: “The Communion table as it is could not be more inclusive. To suggest that it needs a flag or anything else adding to it to make it more ‘inclusive’ is a serious misunderstanding.”

In February 2024, chancellor of the Diocese of Leicester, Naomi Gyane, refused permission for the Progress Pride flag to be draped over the altar at St Nicholas’ church.

She said: “The Progress Pride flag is not a Christian emblem. Whilst I agree it is a sign of welcome for people from the LGBTQIA+ community and although not itself political, it is a secular contemporary emblem used for many causes and contemporary discourse.”

Ms Gyane referred to the CofE’s canon law, which states that communion tables should only be covered with a white cloth made of “silk or other decent stuff”.

She added: “The focus, purpose and celebration of the Holy Communion is for all to come to Jesus and remember His sacrifice.

“We come to the Communion table, not to forget who we are or our identity, but to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and our identity in Him.”