A Word From David

A few years ago I ran across a factoid that still disturbs me. It seems that the word abomination is in the working vocabulary of the majority of American teens. 

There’s only one reason for that, and it’s the same reason that the most common word that the same teenagers use to describe the church is intolerant. 

We still had a teenager in the house when I first came across that factoid, and she wondered why I wasn’t happy that her peers knew at least a couple of multisyllabic words! 

If you ever wonder why Pride still matters, think of my quick-witted kid, and then think of her queer friends. 

The simple message that “God loves you, just as you are” remains profoundly important. As my favorite Presbyterian pastor, Fred Rogers, reminded everyone who visited his neighborhood, to know that you are loved and capable of loving is at the heart of human wholeness and the experience of shalom. 

We cannot build the beloved community unless and until everyone feels beloved and empowered to share that belovedness with one another.

God is love really is enough theology for almost every day.

Pride will continue to matter until everyone understands that truth. 

I hope you will join Western’s piece of World Pride this Saturday afternoon at 4:30 as we host a joyous concert to celebrate.