After taking time to contemplate and have discussions as a group rooted in Christianity, we feel compelled to respond to the letter to the editor published June 9 and written by Andrew Fix regarding “Concern over the ‘Hub City Love’ banner.”
Specifically, we’d like to address the notion that showing support for our LGBTQIA+ community using the colors of a rainbow somehow excludes anyone who does not fall into that community, especially those morally opposed to the LGBTQIA+ lifestyle. After the senseless incidents of June 10 at the Pride event in Centralia and in front of McFiler’s in Chehalis — as well as the recent vandalization of LGBTQIA+ advocate sites on June 13 and June 24 — our resolve to respond and stand up for our marginalized community has only increased.
One of the key tenets of Pride Month is to celebrate diversity and inclusion for the marginalized in our society, individuals traditionally excluded from our society and treated as outcasts, some forced to live in the shadows and sometimes fear for most of their lives. The colors on the banner are an offering by our Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) to welcome them to our community. As Rebecca Staebler and MacKenzie McGee aptly pointed out in their response, this banner is one of many they will roll out throughout the year that focus on diverse groups in our community. The CDA is welcoming all in this campaign effectively. June is Pride Month and as such the colors on the banner seem appropriate.
Hiding behind “love the sinner, hate the sin” is no longer an excuse for the church to exclude, marginalize and even despise people.
The church needs to do better. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are bound not by obedience to moral codes, but by the law of love (see Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 13:8-10 and Galatians 5:14). That downtown Centralia has promoted a message of love, especially to those whom the religious community has ostracized and shown disdain, ought to be celebrated as a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Peter delivered a profound sermon on what it means to be a welcoming Christian community on June 25. If you would like to view his sermon, we encourage you to paste the following link into your browser and take it in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx_GA3ZKC6E
As pastor and social justice team at Immanuel Lutheran, we want our LGBTQIA+ community to hear that you belong. You are loved and welcome just as you are.
Social Justice Committee, Immanuel Lutheran Church
Carrie Aadland
Ken Johnson
Ruth Johnson
Pastor Peter Mohr
Matt Evans
Audra Evans
Kevin Gillan
Trish Geist
Patty Dean
MaryBeth Geringer
