The Church of Freedom in Christ Ministries stood in solidarity with the LGBT+ community of the Philippines at a recent pride parade in the city of Marikina, preaching messages of acceptance and understanding for the country's too often marginalized population. Attendees from the Church of Freedom were in opposition to their Christian counterparts who also took part in the parade; while they protested the celebration and gathering of LGBT+ folks, the Church of Freedom protested the widespread violation of human rights that the community often faces.
The vast majority of the Philippines island identifies as Christian - Roman Catholic, to be precise - allowing room for assumptions and stereotypes to be made. Often when we think of religion, of Christianity, and LGBT+ persons, we don't paint a picture of peace and tolerance. We think of the Westboro Baptists, discriminatory Bible verses, and excuses to deny people basic rights to happiness and personal autonomy.
This is what makes the Church of Freedom in Christ Ministries' action so commendable.
Church of Freedom in Christ Ministries members at Marikina Pridehttp://says.com/ph/kulture/this-church-rallies-at-...
According to Pastor Val Paminiano, followers of the Church of Freedom have "been attending local pride celebrations for about four years now," often wandering the grounds of the event in order to reach as many people as possible. He continues:
"We are apologizing for the way Christians have hurt the LGBT community, especially by using the Bible in condemning and judging them... God is not against anyone."
While many sects of Christianity, and organized religion in general, focus on the few verses regarding homosexuality and LGBT+ persons, they chose to focus on the manyverses about love, acceptance, and understanding. They extended the love of their God to people they also believe to be God's children, and therefore, their equals. The Church of Freedom members chose to embrace and encourage instead of detest and adjudicate, transforming traditional thoughts about religion and sexuality.
In doing so, the Church has revitalized hope for thousands of people around the globe:
1. LGBTQ+ folks who struggle with being religious and/or religious folks who struggle with their sexual orientations or gender identities.
The Church's act has provided a common ground for those who fall between a cross roads of religion and the LGBT+ community, allowing them a positive example where it wasn't necessary to "choose." Religious people supporting LGBT+ people provides important representation and acceptance for queer, Christian folks, furthering individual pride in both aspects of one's identity.
2. Religious folks who aren't sure who or what to believe about specific topics.
A differing viewpoint from the common "norm" often presented about how one should act or what one should believe under any given circumstances allows the individual to think for themselves, to some extent. The Church proved to Christian folks of any sect that it isn't required to be against LGBT+ persons and their relationships in order to be a "real" Christian, nor is it necessary to dismiss it as a sin (if that's what you believe). Moreover, it's necessary to simply love without restriction, regardless of circumstances, if that's what you believe Christ would do.
3. Agnostic/atheist folks who aren't sure where they stand regarding organized religion.
I have heard plenty of people who are atheistic or agnostic who abhor organized religion, often due to the followers of said religion using it as a reason to hate, instead of love. Given this example, however, it is possible that the opinions of some of these people may be altered, just as Pastor Val Paminiano's was.
The Church of Freedom in Christ Ministries has set an incredible example for the past four years, gaining more traction with each passing pride celebration. The impact of the congregation has been felt worldwide, providing hope for thousands of people in both the LGBT+ community and religious communities, potentially sparking change for future generations of tolerance and acceptance.
I don't know about you, but my faith in humanity has been (at least partially) restored.
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