We have heard this question from a few folks. As we pondered it, we thought of this comic from the provocative and faithful, David Hayward (aka the Naked Pastor). Jesus’ story about the shepherd who leaves the flock to seek out the one vulnerable sheep seems very relevant here. Sometimes, the “flock” who are safely in the fold already don’t like the idea of Jesus leaving them behind to care for others who are outside the fold. But that is, in fact, the gospel and the mission of Christ – to seek out the vulnerable, the hurting, the oppressed, the excluded and welcome them into God’s wide embrace.

And it's our mission too. We, in the church, have a special role to play in this mission because the church has, historically and even today, participated in or been complicit in homophobic and transphobic oppression. As an institution, and as communities, we have excluded, persecuted and harmed 2SLGBTQIA+ folk in our midst.

Through the years, 2SLGBTQIA+ people have been fired from jobs, evicted from housing, and denied access to their dying partners in the hospital (not counted as family members).  For many years, and still today, the Christian church called them sinful, so they were only accepted if they hid their true selves. There are far too many stories of families who cast out their gay or trans kids, and many thousands take their own lives every year as they experience rejection for the way that they love and experience their gender identities. This has caused immeasurable harm to these people and their families and has marred the larger church’s witness to love. 

Affirming 2SLGBTQIA+ saves lives. It is not enough to simply tolerate or even accept these beloved siblings. To address these harms and to prevent future harm, we know that it is important for us to be public, intentional and explicit in affirming our 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours. Being Affirming means we intentionally celebrate the diversity of gender identities and expressions and the love that same sex couples share in covenantal relationships with one another.

We understand that our more explicit actions to be affirming can cause discomfort and confusion for some folks – both within our faith community and in the wider community. We are glad to talk about concerns that people have. Open, honest and respectful conversation is essential to a healthy community. At the same time, we want to continue to protect and affirm 2SLGBTQIA+ folks who come through our doors and participate in our ministries.

Just as we welcome everyone to the communion table, all are welcome at the table of God, and so all are invited into our community of faith as we follow Christ and reflect God’s love in the world.