Sean Major-Campbell | Pride Month and Church

THE MONTH of June is observed in some parts of the world as ‘Pride Month’. It is a time when LGBTQ+ people and those who love them pause to celebrate a much-maligned and oppressed minority group in many populations across the world. Some Caribbean folks have come to realise also that they have always known, from early childhood, someone who was “different”.

While much misunderstanding has led to stigma, discrimination, condemnation, and hurt for many in faith communities, increased awareness of human sexuality and gender concerns has empowered faith leaders and fellow members to be more compassionate. This is why in a few churches across the globe it is increasingly popular for prayers to be offered in thanksgiving for our LGBTQ+ siblings in the faith, while displaying the rainbow flag in solidarity with the cause for human dignity and justice for all.

We are guided by some petitions from Ministry Link, which provides prayers for such celebrations. Prayers are inspired by Reconciling Works, Lutherans for Full Participation. They provide a timely reminder that those who are driven by a spirit of love rather than condemnation are readily given to prayer and compassion.

Pray for the spirits who were trailblazers, moving and shaking people’s hearts and minds. May we never stop expanding the borders of love and acceptance for queer, brown, and black bodies.

Pray for reconciliation in families. Pray for loved ones to be able to truly communicate what is in their hearts and their love for each other. Ask God to intervene in the church, that His purposes will be accomplished and that the enemy’s purposes will be thwarted.

Pray for guidance and humility as we seek to follow the way and will of God as contained in the Bible.

Check out this prayer. Would you pray this prayer at church or at home? Are you okay with “expanding the borders of love and acceptance”?

“God of LOVE, we thank you for the spirits who were trailblazers, moving and shaking people’s hearts and minds. Stir up in us that same energy of those who helped pave the way for where our LGBTQIA+ siblings are today. May we never stop expanding the borders of love and acceptance for queer, brown, and black bodies. In Your Mercy | Hear Our Prayer.”

Do you trust God to lead you and your faith community into more compassion for queer folks? Or do you prefer to keep a more comfortable distance from “those people” whom your pastor has determined are destined for hell? While many will condemn the contents of this column, in your heart what do you believe ‘Holy Spirit’ is leading you to do in relation to your LGBTQ+ siblings in the faith?

“Compassionate Jesus, on the days where this work of justice and reconciliation feel like too much, help lighten our load. Soften our hearts to welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, in all of the bodies in which they encompass. Teach us to learn and relearn, with humility and excitement. In Your Mercy | Hear Our Prayer.”

Many people in Jamaica and across the Caribbean are realising that some of their dearly beloved family members who have migrated, did so because of the pain of stigma and discrimination due to prejudice experienced on account of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

“Weaver of Justice, let us be your hands and feet! May we follow the Spirit’s lead and work for justice and equity for our LGBTQIA+, brown, and black siblings. In prayer we say Black Lives Matter, that our LGBTQIA+ siblings are made in your image, and we are committed to your ministry of reconciliation.

In Your Mercy | Hear Our Prayer.”

A reader of Family and Religion, has asked: “Aren’t you afraid of writing these things about LGBT people when everyone else is condemning them? I agree with what you say. But as a Christian, I know that my church would condemn me if I agreed with you.”

My response: I am not afraid of affirming human dignity and justice for all. Please note that it is not true that “everyone else is condemning them”. You might be shocked to know that many politicians and pastors right here in Jamaica do make sense of what I am saying. It is not easy though to say things that do not win you friends or secure votes. I do understand the fear of being condemned by some in the church community. However, there comes a time when doing and saying the right things must take pride of place above bigotry. Please note also that many Jamaicans are knowingly hospitable to their LGBTQ+ clients in various spaces and tourist destinations across Jamaica.

May we truly learn true respect for all. May we indeed have positive response to duty’s call. And may justice, truth be ours forever. Amen.