We’re Sorry
A Christian Apology to 2SLGBTQIA+ People
As people endeavoring to follow Jesus, we acknowledge 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, shut out from love, and told to change or hide your authentic selves. Christians have passed anti-gay and anti-trans laws, pushed for harsh policies in churches, schools, and businesses, and refused service and fellowship, and spoken of you from the pulpit 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; became targets of religiously motivated anger, rage, escalating to violence, trafficking, and murder. You have suffered psychological harm—fear, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and even suicide.
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 caused, and for harms that our fellow Christians have inflicted on you, we are truly sorry. We are sorry that we have hurt you and that our lives told a lie about God and about you belonging to God’s family.
The truth is that you belong, and you have a right to be embraced as children of God and participate in the life of the Church as your authentic selves. 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.” We offer it in a sincere hope that it plants even a tiny seed of healing—that is our prayer.
Sincerely,
