We must Say It Loud! One young adult's call towards a bold public statement.
TheMIghtyLCUCC
Written by Chelsey Wiltse
As a young adult serving in a local UCC congregation I believe whole heartedly that churches run the risk of failing as open and affirming congregations, unless they decide to make a bold public statement such as a Pride flag or other public display of safety for the LGBTQIA+ community.
It might seem harsh, but it is true. Without the public statement many members in many congregations are asking, what have we done or changed since they voted to become and Open and Affirming congregation? For many the answer becomes, nothing as a whole congregation. Facebook posts are not enough.
Some may live in communities that struggle with the idea of accepting others as they are, but this should not stop any congregation from voicing their support for those who need it with one united voice of support and care.
When I voted, in my local church, to be an Open and Affirming church, I did not do it for myself. This vote and decision were made for those who feel lost and alone. Some may be worried and scared about how their local community will respond, but that fear is 1,000 times worse for the kids in school who are afraid to come out to their friends, the kid who was shamed by their family for finally being their true selves, for the people in the community who feel like they have nowhere to go, for those who feel like they will never be accepted. A churches choice to not make a bold public statement means that all these people are still scared and believe that they have no place of safety to go.
At this point, our choice to not make our decision known and to make a proud public statement feels selfish to me as an ally in my community. It is time for any Open and Affirming church to publicly proclaim themselves as a safe place for those who feel unsafe and ashamed, it is time to be a proud ally and stop allowing worry and fear about what a closed-minded community may think guide any decision, because the only thing that matters is making those who feel lost, found.
I am not 100% sure what a public statement looks like in any community, but a pride flag of some sort would be a great place to start and is the most recognized, straight forward sign for those who are looking for a safe place that will support them.