An Ecumenical Christian Unity Statement Supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ Community was offered on social media this past Tuesday.  Clergy representatives from Shining Waters were there to add their voice. I also signed the statement. The inspiration for this is a response to increased hate crimes. This Pride season begins with “growing concerns for 2SLGBTQI+ communities in our churches and society due to a significant increase in hate crimes (in March 2023, Stats Canada reported that in Ontario alone, hate crimes based on sexual orientation are up 107 percent!). Anti- 2SLGBTQI+ violence is occurring across all municipalities.” 

These concerns were manifest last week after we installed our Pride flag in the pines. 

Within 48 hours the flag was vandalized. Someone covered the words “Created in God’s Image” with black spray paint. It is disturbing to say the least, particularly for those among us and around us who need the affirmation that they too belong to the family of God. 

We will attempt to repaint the words on the flag to ensure that they are once again visible and communicate the welcome and support that they convey. This is not the first act of resistance to the message of belonging and inclusion for all God’s children. There was an incident last year where a man made some hurtful comments to someone in our community as a reaction to our flag. It is evident that whomever is acting out this way has not yet embraced the fullness of God’s love. This kind of behavior is abhorrent to me and to others and it is tempting to react with rage and dehumanize the person who acts out in hate. The alternative is to be motivated to continue the work of education and live out the message of God’s unconditional love. The Spirit of love is more powerful than fear. Rather than join in the spirit of hate in response, let us join in affirming the worth and value of those who are being judged, targeted and victimized. May we find a way to convey our heartfelt compassion for all who simply want to be loved as they are and May we be the face of Christ for everyone we meet.  

Peace and blessings,

Lee-Ann

More from the United Church of Canada: 

https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/equity/affirming/ecumenical-christian-unity-statement/

United Church Statement on Pride Month

Supporting Allies and Activists in Uganda

Terminology: 2SLGBTQI+ acronym = 2S: at the front, recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities; L: Lesbian; G: Gay; B: Bisexual; T: Transgender; Q: Queer; I: Intersex, considers sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; +: is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies.