Elton John said in The Observer magazine that religion should be banned because of what it has done to homosexuality. “I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. From my point of view, I would ban religion completely,†he was quoted as saying. I think that Elton John is correct in saying that the Church as an institution has not actively cared for the gay community, and in fact, more often than not, has condemned it. However, my denomination, the United Church of Christ, has long spoken out and “come out†in favor and support of the LGBT community. The Christian church as a whole does need to repent our sins. We must be more cognizant of the pain we have caused so many of the gay community. The church should be a welcoming place, a sanctuary, a reflection of God’s love for all of creation –and when we fail to be that, we fail to be fully Christian. And so, as minister, I apologize. It is my intent to dedicate myself to opening the church to the LGBT community, and extend a special welcome to those who have been injured by the church. Jesus’ message was to love all of our neighbors. God created all of creation and called it good. As Christians we ought to live by the creed of loving our neighbor as ourselves –and so this is our call. I personally want to invite anyone of the LGBT community or other allies to join me at my congregation in Costa Mesa Ca–Fairview Community Church or to check out other Open and Affirming churches in the United Church of Christ or other open denominations, like the Metropolitan Community Church. Elton John is correct in calling out our negative past, and now we must do what we can to correct it. There are indeed churches that are accepting of all people, and recognize that God created and loves us all. So please take note –we’re “out†here!
Thank you,
Reverend Sarah Halverson
