LGBTQ letter to the Church
Dear Friends,
As a member of the LGBTQ community, I pen this heartfelt LGBTQ letter to the Church, aiming to foster unity and understanding between religion and the queer experience.
Recognizing the significance of faith in your lives, I hold great respect for your beliefs. Nevertheless, I implore you to reflect upon the fundamental tenets of love, acceptance, and understanding that underpin your religious teachings.
With an open heart, I sincerely hope that this LGBTQ letter to the Church can serve as a bridge, bringing us closer together in harmony and empathy.
Jesus Christ Set an Example
In following the example set by Jesus Christ, we are called to love all of mankind, irrespective of their weaknesses.
Jesus taught us to judge not so that we will not be judged.
He embraced those on the margins of society, offering love and compassion to the outcasts, sinners, and those deemed unworthy by society.
It is this spirit of inclusion and acceptance that I implore you to embrace when it comes to the LGBTQ community.
Feelings of Worthlessness and Shame
When religious communities pass judgment on individuals like myself, it instills feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt.
It is a constant struggle to reconcile our innate sense of self with the disapproval we face from those who believe our identities are sinful or immoral. This conflict can lead to profound pain, isolation, and even thoughts of self-harm. No one should have to endure such torment.
I urge you to consider the immense toll that judgment and rejection take on LGBTQ individuals and their mental well-being. Imagine the burden of carrying the weight of your faith and your identity in constant conflict, feeling rejected by the very community that is meant to offer solace and support.
We long for the day when religious spaces become sanctuaries of love and understanding, where our differences are celebrated and embraced.
Common Sense Must prevail
It is crucial for common sense to prevail. Science and psychology have consistently shown that sexual orientation and gender identity are not choices but innate aspects of human diversity.
We do not ask for your approval or validation; we simply ask to be treated with dignity and respect. We long for a world where we can live authentically, without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Let us remember that hate and division are not the teachings of any religion; they are the products of fear and misunderstanding. Instead, let us focus on the fundamental values that unite us all: compassion, empathy, and love.
When we truly embrace these principles, we can transcend our differences and build bridges of understanding.
I implore you to step away from judgment and embrace dialogue. Engage with LGBTQ individuals, listen to our stories, and open your hearts to the possibility of empathy.
Recognize that our struggle is not against your faith but against the prejudice and discrimination that deny us our humanity.
We are your children, siblings, friends, and neighbors. We contribute to society in countless ways, and our love is as genuine and valid as anyone else’s.
Let us come together as one human family, united by our shared experiences of joy, pain, and love. May we learn to respect and celebrate the diversity that exists within the tapestry of humanity.
I believe in the transformative power of love and understanding. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, accepted, and loved, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Let us strive to live by the teachings of Jesus, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and embodying the true essence of Christianity.
With hope and a longing for unity,
Yours Faithfully,