Pride Reflection

Pride began as a protest. The genesis of what is now a global celebration began with resistance. Today, there is a demand for the same defiance of our system. We need to stand, fight with and protect our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters now.

Since 2018, state lawmakers have proposed a record of 238 bills that would limit the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans.  About half of these bills target transgender people specifically.

The word of God says “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)  Also from Acts 10:28, “…God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” 

As followers of Christ, not only do we have the responsibility to love like Christ did, but to protest, agitate and resist as Christ did as well.

This Pride Month, I ask that together we reflect on the genesis of Pride and the accountability we must hold ourselves to as followers of Christ.  

Kwyn Townsend Riley
CRS Bayard Rustin Fellow