Perth Voice Interactive

When his old church refused to let him become a member because he was gay, Graham Douglas-Meyer started up his own.

Based out of the North Perth lesser hall, Open Arms Fellowship is in its early days with just a few members, but Pastor Douglas-Meyer is hoping his flock will grow.

“I had that sense that there was a need for a church where people didn’t need to hide their sexuality, they can be open and honest about who they are,” he says. “[And] I needed a place for myself.”

He says his independent charismatic church is “gay-affirming” but that’s not its only focus, and he welcomes all-comers.

Originally a Catholic, Mr Douglas-Meyer drifted from the Church, moving on to the charismatic movement with Riverview Church.

While he was able to attend services, the church brass wouldn’t let him sign on as a financial member.

“It was devastating,” he says.

He underwent gay conversion therapy in 1991 but now describes the discredited process as damaging.

“I was trying to get healed of my sexuality,” he says.

“A lot of people get hurt. They just provide lies and more lies, and I believe people need to be appreciated for who they are.

“The churches need to be welcoming them, not turning them away.”

Open Arms Fellowship meets every Sunday at 3pm at 24 View Street.

by DAVID BELL