Ever since I began as a pastor at Rupert Rupert United Methodist Church elevin years ago, I have taken the stance that LGBTQ+ folks were Children of God, to be loved, accepted, and worthy of full fellowship in the church. Recently, I also became pastor at Rutland Rutland United Methodist Church, a church that made that stance official many years ago as a Reconciling Church. Both churches offer traditional worship combined with a radical love that I am happy to serve.

Over the years, that belief has cost me. I have been accosted publicly as “that gay-loving pastor”. I have been told I was unworthy of being called a Christian. I have been called names.

But at times, when people would take the time with me and let me explain the deep dive into scripture that led me here, even if they did not agree with me, they understood why I have come to the place I came to.

To all the LGBTQ+ folks this Pride Month, God made you. God loves you, and so do I and the two churches I serve. Love. No exceptions.