Happy Pride from a Random Presbyterian Pastor
From our Family, Happy Pride!
I write to you as a parent of young adults who identify as LGBTQIA+, and as a Christian, Presbyterian, religious leader who grew up in and has led affirming communities. Again I join others in publicly and boldly affirming a part of the beloved community that too many of my Christian siblings do not.
While there are many churches and leaders who are LGBTQIA+ affirming and I will rejoice in the day that you can simply assume safety and affirmation in Christian spaces, far too many Christian churches, campus ministries, and religious leaders have inflicted emotional, spiritual, and physical trauma upon your personhood — all in the name of God.
While I do not presume to speak for or apologize on behalf of these Christian communities and religious individuals, I do name and lament the pain that has been heaped upon you by those with whom I share a common sacred text and a professed belief in the one called Jesus.
Too many Christians have bought into and preached a gospel of “Hate the sin, love the sinner,” a theology that disguises hate as love and have perpetuated and reinforced a culture of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia that has led to spiritual trauma, emotional abuse, physical violence, and death.
