A FOUR metre high figure of Jesus took part in last weekend's Bourne Free Parade to celebrate diversity in Bournemouth.

Metropolitan Community Church says Jesus would have been supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LTBT) issues and would have backed the town’s Bourne Free Pride Festival.

The church, which pride itself on being an “inclusive spiritual community”, invited Nina and Jim Parker, from Liberty Church in Blackpool, to join the parade.

Big Jesus, as he is known, was inspired by a man Nina met during a pride celebration in 2011, who questioned how it was possible to be gay and Christian when he had experienced homophobia from Christians.

The Parkers believed if Jesus walked the streets today he would be at Pride events, because he was always with people on the edges of society. They created Big Jesus as a symbol of God’s love for LGBT people.

The theme for this year’s parade is Bourne Free Does Broadway and MCC is joining in with its contribution Jesus On Broadway. Big Jesus will wear a bright rainbow sash and a sign around his neck announcing “Superstar” as the church group march along to Broadway songs.

The Rev Dwayne Morgan of the Metropolitan Community Church said: “MCC has been supporting Bourne Free since it began in 2004 and we’re excited to have this dramatic way of showing that Jesus is part of the LGBT community.

“It’s a great way to let those who have been victims of homophobia and transphobia, often at the hands of the church, know that God loves them, that God isn’t homophobic or transphobic.”

The church will also host the annual Thank God for Pride Bourne Free celebration worship at the main festival stage at 12noon today.

Bourne Free trustee and chair Chris Ashton-Hollis said: “The outdoor church service which was first held in 2011 has become an integral part of the Bourne Free weekend.

“Bourne Free desires to involve all aspects of Bournemouth’s LGBT community and the MCC service is a part of the diversity and inclusion that makes the festival great.”

Information is at mccchurch.uk and bournefree.co.uk