Today, we are outraged. As parents of LGBTQ+ children and leaders of a supportive community of tens of thousands, we have witnessed firsthand the pain caused by the church’s anti-gay false teachings, beliefs and actions, and the escalating legislative attacks on our transgender loved ones. It is time to stand up, speak out, and unconditionally love and support our LGBTQ+ loved ones. Let us not lose hope for a future where love triumphs over hate. For centuries, the church has... Read more
“There used to be no conversation. Now people are talking about LGBT issues all the time, and the university can’t pretend that there aren’t gay people who attend the school… Although many of these colleges explicitly ban “homosexual behavior,” they are now home to dozens of LGBT-friendly student groups.” – Philip Francis and Mark Longhurst in The Atlantic I have talked to them, students at Wheaton, Biola, Liberty, Patrick Henry and other campuses where homosexuality is strictly forbidden, where administrators... Read more
As we are just a month away from a truly critical, historic election, I’m struck by a deep, swirling feeling. Is it incredible excitement or is it overwhelming fear. Why are these two emotions so intertwined as we gaze ahead? On one hand, we hold this wonderful hope — that maybe we’ll see the arc of justice bend a bit more. Maybe this election will be the one where love wins over hate, inclusion over division, and we finally begin... Read more
You know, I used to think elections were a time for us to come together as a society, to discuss what matters most, and to seek the common good. But lately, it feels like every election is a battleground. It brings out the very worst in us, doesn’t it? Instead of connection, we’re divided. Instead of listening, we’re shouting. Social media, a tool with such potential to bridge our differences, has become a megaphone for our ugliest instincts. Let’s be... Read more
In the heart of America, Christian nationalism is eroding the very essence of our values. Masquerading as faith, it poses a significant danger by distorting the beliefs and teachings of Jesus. As the co-founder of FreedHearts, I’ve been a witness to the insidious effects of Christian nationalism. It is a movement that intertwines religious identity with political power, elevating the interests of a chosen few above the welfare of all, including the welfare of the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth, especially... Read more
The Bible is a collection of stories, poems, letters, and teachings that have evolved over centuries. The idea that it is a literal, inerrant text is not only historically inaccurate but also overlooks the rich, diverse, and beautiful history of these writings. The inerrancy of the Bible is a myth that does a disservice to the depth of the texts and of God. A History of Edits and Changes The Bible wasn’t handed down from heaven in a complete form.... Read more
Life is full of challenges that test our resilience, from personal losses and financial hardships to global crises and political turmoil. These moments can leave us feeling defeated, but hope is an essential, life-sustaining force that can carry us through. Let’s talk about how we can nurture hope when everything seems bleak. The Power of Hope Hope is more than wishful thinking; it’s a crucial psychological tool. It boosts our mental health, strengthens our immune system, and helps us recover... Read more
When we talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we’re talking about the heart of Jesus’ message. If you claim to follow Jesus, embracing DEI is not optional—it’s essential. These principles aren’t just trendy buzzwords; they’re deeply rooted in the core values of love, justice, and compassion that Jesus embodied. Let’s break it down. Diversity: Reflecting the Image of God The Bible tells us that God created every human being in His image (Genesis 1:27). That means every person, regardless... Read more
If you claim to follow of Jesus, then you are called to love without limits, show grace, and walk humbly with God. But as we listen to and watch many conservative, evangelical Christians today, they don’t reflect Jesus. Not at all. In fact, it’s often in complete contrast to his life and teachings. If you are in that part of the Christian church, come on… it’s time for honesty. Seriously. The Gap Between Jesus and the Church Jesus lived a... Read more
As another anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting approaches, it’s time to stop and honor the 49 beautiful souls taken from us on June 12, 2016. Pulse was more than a nightclub; it was a sanctuary, a place of love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. That night shattered lives and broke hearts, not just in Orlando but around the world. Today, with hate and division on the rise, remembering Pulse is more important than ever. A Moment of Unity... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In