Each Ash Wednesday, Christian worshippers receive ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross to mark the beginning of Lent.
While the ashes are normally made from palm branches, some churches in the US will be adding glitter into the mix this year.
Faith based LGBT+ group Parity is behind #Glitter+AshWednesday, an initiative that aims to blend the symbols of “mortality and hope, of penance and celebration.”
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“Offering glitter ashes will present an opportunity to breathe fresh life into your liturgy, recapture the surprise in the Christian message, and draw new people into your worship,” the group says.
Parity is selling pre-mixed glitter ashes online and offers instructions for churches and individuals who wish to take part in the event.
According to the group, churches in California, Missouri, Massachusetts, Alabama and Georgia will be taking part in Glitter+Ash Wednesday.
Reverend Elder Rachelle Brown of the Metropolitan Community Church is supporting the event and said: "Glitter ashes represent a call to deeply consider long-held traditions and ways that we mark our bodies as present and visible. In this season, we will shimmer in the presence of our Creator.”
Parity head Marian Edmonds-Allen says the event is “a way for queer Christians and queer-positive persons of faith to say ‘We are here’."
