A little louder for the Christians in the back …

Digital artwork by Art Frikiland

Happy Pride! It’s June, when both my Facebook feed and Target are full of rainbows and love.

But not from everyone. There are still Christians out there preaching the ol' “love the sinner, hate the sin” theology. Enough already!

My fellow Christians. Just in case you didn’t get the memo:

Being gay or transgender or any iteration of LGBTQ is not a sin.

It’s not a choice.

It’s not a “lifestyle.”

There’s no slippery slope involved.*

LGBTQ people are born their beautiful and perfect selves and have received the full measure of God's love and grace. There is divinity in all of us. We are all made by love, with love, and for love.

The God that I know and love and follow and worship loves my children because of who they are and not in spite of who they are.

And I don't want to hear "just love everyone; God will sort 'em out later." Don't come at me with that needlepoint pillow. No sorting or judging necessary.

I know that many LGBTQ individuals have been hurt by the church and have no interest in anything Christians have to say. I get that. You might be surprised to learn that many, many Christians embrace the LGBTQ community. You have an open invitation to worship with the Giles family any time if you want an affirming and embracing church experience. Or if that’s not your cup of tea, I know a great church finder – a spiritual matchmaker – who helps people wounded by their church experience to return to Christian community.

Jesus practiced radical love. We should, too.

* Or maybe there really is! Like a slip ‘n’ slide. With bubbles. And popsicles at the end. LGBTQ friends, I need to know this immediately, and please invite me to the slippery slope party. I’ll bring paper goods.