We’re Sorry
A Christian Apology to 2SLGBTQIA+ People
As people aspiring to follow Jesus, we recognize that far too often “Christian” teachings and Bible passages have been and are being used as weapons to cut you off from “us” to become “them” – condemned, shamed, dehumanized, shut out from love, and told to change or hide your true selves to be acceptable. Christians have passed anti-gay and anti-trans laws, pushed for harsh policies in churches, schools, businesses, even prisons, and refused service and fellowship, and spoken of you from the pulpit, in public and private conversations, and also to your face with contempt.
We, the Church, have created an environment of harm and danger. You have suffered excommunication, job insecurities, family rejection, bullying, loneliness, poverty, and homelessness. You have been denied medical services; become targets of religiously motivated anger, rage, violence, trafficking, and murder. You have suffered psychological harm—isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and even suicide. You have suffered spiritual harm, being told that God, heaven, eternal life, and even meaningful life on earth are not available for you.
For all the harms that we listed and those we did not remember or know to list, for all the harms that we have personally and collectively caused, we are truly sorry. We are sorry that we have hurt you and that our lives told a lie about God and about your place in God’s love and God’s world and in our community.
The truth is that you belong, and you have a right to be honored as children and image bearers of God and to fully participate in the life of the Church and in our community as your authentic selves, as God made you. Neither the Church nor the world is complete without you.
We commit to listening to your stories and learning more, to know better and do better. We commit to support, education, and advocacy—toward a safer and more inclusive Church, community, and world.
We recognize that this apology may be justifiably viewed as “too little, too late.” And we do not and cannot demand your forgiveness. We offer this apology in a sincere hope that it plants even a tiny seed of healing and blows even a tiny breath of encouragement into your heart — that is our prayer.
Sincerely,
