With the onslaught of laws being passed in the USA affecting the rights of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and the recent passage of the repressive anti-LGBT Law in Uganda which criminalizes same sex conduct, including potentially the death penalty for those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality,” it is more important than ever that we stand against hate and with our 2SLGBTQ+ siblings. And in case you think it is only happening elsewhere, the hate is present in our own communities, too. Not far from where I live, the Ladner United Church on early Wednesday morning--one day before Pride Month--had black paint thrown at the front door and the minister's office where two Pride flags were displayed. Members of queer and trans communities are scared and we need to let them know that we are a congregation that loves them, will stand alongside them and will advocate for them and their human rights.
Pride Month is also an opporunity for education. Watch for information displays in our narthex and/or church hall later in the month.