A Cardiff priest has been given an Attitude Pride Award for 'embodying the spirit of LGBTQ Pride' in the Christian community.
Rev Canon Sarah Jones, the priest of St John the Baptist Church, a fully inclusive Anglican church in the Diocese of Llandaff, was the first trans priest to be ordained in the Church of England in 2004.
Rev Sarah, who's 59, said in a statement she was delighted to receive the award: "I'd like to thank Attitude Magazine and whoever nominated me. I'd also like to express my thanks to everyone who helped me to realise that faith and God were inclusive of all people.
"I meet so many LGBTQIA+ people who tell me that they don't feel welcome in church or that they've been told that God would not approve of them and I would like them to know that they are very welcome in many more churches and worshipping communities than they might think.
"I am honoured to minister at St John's Church in Central Cardiff. The people there are loving, kind and supportive. Bishop June, Llandaff Diocese and The Church in Wales have made me very welcome. I thank them for their open hearts and for their sharing of God's love for the world."
The Bishop of Llandaff, Rt Rev June Osborne, added: "Congratulations to Canon Sarah Jones for her award as a LGBTQ hero which is so very well deserved. Sarah is authentic, courageous and through her own vulnerability she has encouraged so many to be the person they're supposed to be, to 'get on and be glorious'.
"As a priest she proclaims the message that not being good enough for God is a heresy and she works tirelessly to create a fully inclusive and welcoming church community at St John the Baptist Church in Cardiff. The Diocese of Llandaff is so proud of her. "
The Attitude Pride Awards celebrate people who embody the spirit of LGBTQ Pride.