Stained Glass, Hot Tears and Gay Pride

A Church Celebrating the Queer Community? I Didn’t Believe That Was Possible.

As I sat in the ornate sanctuary of Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by stained glass crafted by Tiffany in the late 1800s, I began to cry.  Through hot tears I felt the Father's love. I felt accepted. I felt wanted. My sexuality was chosen and created by God himself and he celebrated me.  The validation I felt was overwhelming and I knew I had found my church home.

It was Palm Sunday 2024 and Rev.

Darryl Kistler drew a comparison of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the excitement of the gay pride parade hosted by the city of San Diego.  He proudly walked the parade route with other clergy each year in support of the queer community.   The clergy were united under the banner of Faith For Freedom.

Introduction

The very core of our being calls out for love, understanding, and acceptance. For gay Christians, this is in…