Re: “23 arrests at heated ‘Fascist Family Values’ protest in Seattle” (Might 24, Native Information):
All individuals are beloved creations of God, equally welcome into loving relationship with Jesus Christ — a core message of Christianity, however not the one preached at Cal Anderson Park on Might 24.
I’m a Christian pastor within the United Church of Christ. On Might 24, I stood in Cal Anderson Park with about 50 Christian pastors and laity in assist of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. We had been a part of the counterprotest of an out-of-state group that portrays Christianity as anti-gay and anti-trans and provocatively selected to amplify its exclusionary message on stage within the coronary heart of Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. Their name to “elevate a military” to advance their agenda each disgusts and frightens me.
The counter-protests at Cal Anderson and the next assertion by Mayor Bruce Harrell weren’t anti-Christian and shouldn’t be framed as such. When our group walked towards the obstacles erected by legislation enforcement with our indicators of inclusive Christian love, the protesters instantly parted and welcomed us to take the entrance row of the counterprotest. Many thanked us for our presence and inclusive Christian messages.
Christ advised us to like our neighbors as ourselves, and that we’re all beloved youngsters of God. We agree.
The Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom, Tacoma
