You are Loved.

June 1, 2021

Dear LGBTQIA+ Siblings,

My name is Bruce Reyes-Chow, I am the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, and I write to you today to reaffirm what I am sure you already know — YOU ARE LOVED.

Oh, and Happy Pride 2021!

I write to you as a parent of young adults who identify as LGBTQIA+, but also as a Christian, Presbyterian, religious leader who grew up in and now leads an affirming community. For these reasons, it is important for me to publicly and boldly affirm the fullness of YOU, a part of the beloved community that too many of my Christian siblings do not.

Sure, there are many churches that are also LGBTQIA+ affirming and I will rejoice in the day that you can simply assume safety and affirmation in Christian spaces — but I also know that many Christian churches, campus ministries, and individuals have inflicted emotional, spiritual, and physical trauma upon your personhood — all in the name of God.

I do not presume to apologize for these communities, but I do lament the pain that has been caused by those with whom I share a common sacred text and professed belief in the one called Jesus. Too many Christian communities have bought into a theology of “Hate the sin, love the sinner” that calls you broken, disguises hate as love, and perpetuates and reinforces a culture of trans/bi/homophobia that leads to spiritual…