The damage done by the evangelical Church in the LGBTQ+ community is extensive and profound. I don’t know if there is any way to build a bridge over the expanse of destruction that exists between this community and evangelicals. As a Church, we have come against instead of alongside, we have felt threatened instead of compelled, we have offered words of hate instead of words of healing.
The greatest ministry I have ever received was in being accepted for who I am, just as I am. Jesus has extended that grace to me consistently since the day I met Him and others have offered me this same grace on numerous occasions as well. This acceptance has brought healing where I didn’t even know I needed it. When the Church received me with such open arms, it was then I knew the grace of God.
I can’t even imagine being denied this acceptance from the Church. It saddens me greatly to think of others not being accepted for who they are, just as they are. This is not a depiction of Jesus’ love.
As a member of the evangelical Church, I want to apologize on behalf of all of us. I am so sorry. I wish we could go back in time and respond differently from the very beginning. I wish you could have experienced God’s love from the Church instead of hurt. Sadly, we can’t go back. We can’t change what has been done. So instead, I humbly ask you to please forgive us for misrepresenting Christ. Look to Jesus and to Christians who offer you love.
To the LGBTQ+ community: Jesus loves you. I write this in spite of the antagonistic words you have heard. He created you and He knows the wrongful hurt you have received from others. He knows you inside and out and He accepts you just as you are.
Photo by Andrew Barber
