Welcoming New Neighbours

As we bring our sermon series entitled "Won't You Be My Neighbour" to a close, we consider what we as Allies of the LGBTQ2s Community have learned, and wonder about what our response should be.

The Lynn Valley United Church congregation has been learning about the LGBTQ2s community.  We have heard stories of tremendous faith and resilience.  We have heard stories about people who have had to choose between their true selves and participating fully in their church communities.  These stories are hard to hear.  It is hard to understand how a church community could be so cruel as to exclude someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  It is hard to understand how someone's faith could be strong enough to stand fast in the face of such cruelty.

For those of us who have never had our right to Worship challenged, we want to jump in and immediately try to right these wrongs, make up for the injustices, pave the way, soothe injured spirits.

However, as Allies trying to do the right thing, we must watch and wait to see what response will be helpful.  Some people who reach out to us are ready to be embraced and long to share their Faith and experiences with us.  They have been starving for Christian companionship and we provide a smorgasbord!

But, some people have been deeply hurt by the church, and they will need to take their own time and path to determine when they might want to enter into a Christian community.  We will be there waiting with open hearts when they are ready.  We will continue to grow and learn.  We will be the Good Neighbours with gates waiting to be opened.