Quest

Contact: birmingham@questgaycatholic.org.uk

History
Quest Members from the Birmingham region first gathered in 1975, two years after the formation of Quest in 1973 at London. Birmingham members often travelled to London for meetings, until 1977 when a decision was made to officially formulate a Quest Birmingham group with its own Convenor. In February 1978 Quest Birmingham & West Midlands was officially recognised as the first regional group of Quest outside London. (Nowadays there are also regional groups in Cambridge, Glasgow, Leicester, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Yorkshire.)

Part of the local community
Quest Birmingham & West Midlands takes an active part in both the community of the Church and the gay & lesbian community. For many years the group had its own Chaplain (now retired). Today there are a number of sympathetic priests whom offer help and advice when called upon. The Archbishop of Birmingham was celebrant and preacher during the 1997 Quest Conference held in Birmingham. Quest has received two grant awards from Birmingham Pride. The group has played an active role in World Aids Day celebrations.

Silver Jubilee
Quest Birmingham & West Midlands celebrated its 25th Anniversary in September 2000. With the kind permission of the Archbishop, and the support of the local Parish Priest, a Silver Jubilee Mass was held at St Catherine of Siena, concelebrated by three priests. ‘Rainbow Voices’ gave their most excellent support to the occasion. A celebration buffet followed at the Village Inn, Hurst Street.