Why is it important for churches and United Methodists to participate in an event like the Pride Parade?

Rev. Kathleen Weber, Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard, WA: There can never be too much sharing of God’s love and grace in this world.  It is right that faith communities be present to share that message of unconditional love with the LGBTQIA community.  For far too long faith communities, churches, and United Methodist Churches have shared messages of exclusion and conditional love.  There can never be enough people and voices extending signs and words of peace, love and grace.  And especially in this time, when the United Methodists are still clearly divided and put clergy on trial, it is important, even essential, to have a strong presence at the Pride Parade.

A small group of protesters march prior to the commencement of the 2014 Pride Parade.
A small group of protesters march prior to the commencement of the 2014 Pride Parade.

Before the parade started, a small contingent of protestors marched along the parade route with signs about repentance and judgment on the queer community.  That presence continues to harm LGBTQIA people.  So it is even more important for churches to be present caring signs saying “All are welcome” and Christians shouting, “God loves all.”

I was struck today how many people saw our United Methodist banner and signs and shouted out, smiled, and clapped; or how many people pointed at me, since I wore my clergy collar, and said, “Look, that’s a minister.”  People will always respond to the message we have to share. We just have to show up and start sharing.

Jeff Staley, Lay Member, Annual Conference, Bothell United Methodist Church: There was a demonstration by a group of Christians before the parade started, protesting the event. The parade needs groups like ours as a positive witness to what means for many of us to be Christian (and/or Methodist): That all are welcome in our churches, regardless of sexual orientation; that all are in God’s image; that God’s grace and compassion are for all.

We live in the Religious “None Zone” of the Pacific Northwest, where the greatest preponderance of news about Christians and LGBTQIA issues comes from the fundamentalist nondenominational churches (two of those are in Bothell – Eastlake and Cedar Park). We can’t let those folks be the primary spokespeople for what it means to be Christian.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Nancy Speer, Lay Member Wallingford United Methodist Church: Churches in general, and United Methodists in particular, have a shameful history in terms of their treatment of LGBTQIA persons. I think it’s very important for those church communities that reject the notion of exclusion to be visible. If you believe in inclusivity, then it follows that you must seek to mend the harm that has been done in the name of the church and reclaim a Gospel of love. Seattle’s Pride events provide a huge forum in which this can be done.

Rev. Joanne Carlson Brown, Pastor of Tibbetts United Methodist Church, Seattle, WA: In light of the General Church’s published and visible stand against LGBTQ rights and people, it is crucial that we publicly, and in all ways we can, show that there are United Methodists who don’t agree with this bigoted, hate-filled position and action and who stand for justice and full participation of LGBTQ folks in all aspects of the church and its life together.

We are responding to our call from God to be a place of radical welcome and hospitality that preaches and lives the central message of the Gospel of radical love and liberation.  Joining with other United Methodist churches in this visible presence and message is important so people see that there are many of us who feel this way; that no matter where you live in the King County area there is a safe and welcoming church to which you can go and find a home.  We also support one another in our witness and strengthen each other in the dispiriting times in which we live in the General Church shadow.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

6 COMMENTS

  2. Hooray, maybe we can stop discriminating against people. I pray we don’t find anyone else to discriminate against in the name of religion or anything else. I believe any judgement, pentenance or conversion if appropriate for anyone, should be between God and the individual, not legislated by church or government. We are called to love people, that’s all! Not say how they should live, leave that up to God and enjoy the diversity all people offer us. Talk about saving lives, true acceptance without agreeing or disagreeing about life style, will save lives. Whatever you do to these you do unto me, said Jesus. Stop crucifying Him.

  3. As one who is perfectly satisfied with the current position of the United Methodist Church regarding the worth of homosexual people AND the statement that the practice of homosexuality is contrary to Christian teaching, I think it is GREAT that members of The United Methodist Church were present to extend hospitality to parade participants. The “Christians” who were shouting at the beginning of the parade were doing a disservice to Christ and His church.

    During the last year, I have been repeatedly called “hateful” and “unloving” by other United Methodist Christians (members of the reconciling movement) on social media because of my vocal support for our current United Methodist position. I have ACTUALLY been blocked on Twitter by @RMNetwork. I wish those in the reconciling movement would demonstrate as much respect and kindness toward those who adhere to the traditional interpretation of Christian scripture as they do toward those who flaunt their sinful behavior. .

    • Holly, thanks for the comment. I certainly can’t comment on a situation (re: RMN) without first hand information but I think there is a great point to be made about generosity and hospitality towards those who hold differing opinions. We are all too easily tempted to put others is boxes and paint those boxes in unflattering colors.

Leave a Reply