We all know that June is Pride month. For many years West Parish has celebrated on a Sunday in June -- both to honor Pride, and also to honor the anniversary of our becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation, which was on June 15, 2003!
So this Sunday we will gather in our sanctuary amidst rainbow flags and pride pendants and trans-ally ribbons to affirm our values: we believe that all people are sacred, beloved children of God, no matter where you were born or who you love. We believe that everyone has the right to be their true selves.
It seems so basic, and yet rights for LGBTQ folks (and others!) are under attack through the cutting of health funding, removal from government websites, elimination of anti-bullying programs, erasure of history and on and on.
Jewish poet Emma Lazarus wrote in 1883, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.”
Civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer said, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
Trangender activist Marsha P. Johnson said, "You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights."
Nelson Mandela said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
And of course, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Let us celebrate freedom! And hope! And justice! And love!
