June is a time to celebrate the diversity of God’s LGBTQ+ children. Throughout Pride Month, the United Church of Christ acknowledges the ongoing struggle for human rights and dignity — especially within Christian spaces — while uplifting a community shaped by love and joy through a wide variety of identities and expressions.
In recent years, the annual observation has taken on particular significance to leaders and activists, due to the high number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been proposed and passed in many states.
“This year, queer siblings will defy the empire’s threats and celebrate louder,” says Rachael Ward, UCC minister of Gender and Sexuality Justice. “This year, love must be louder than the hatred and disembodying attempts of those in deep fear of God’s abundant and vibrant creation.”
They went to to say, “As siblings in Christ, I believe we have a moral obligation to ensure the body of Christ is visible to all. I’m proud to be a trans, nonbinary person of faith every day of my life. And I know all too well the deep divide we face from institutions attempting to disembody our personhood. By marching together, worshiping together, and offering resources and care to those most along the margins within our LGBTQ+ community, we are committing to the gospel of love OUT LOUD. We are being the people of faith God invites us to be through justice, love, mercy and humility in real time.”
Ward pointed to the many legislative attacks across the country — especially on trans youth — as evidence of the immediate need for taking action and speaking up this Pride Month.
“Legislative bodies are attempting to disembody God’s Imago Dei imprinted upon queer bodies. And when one part of the body cries out, we all cry. But are we crying loud enough? Are we loving loud enough in action?” For Ward, the bottom line is telling the stories of queer joy and resilience this Pride.
The UCC National Setting is taking that call to love out loud seriously. Read more at UCC.org.