Easter is one of the major holidays for all denominations of Christianity. But if you ask many of the far-right Christians, their Jesus only died for the sins of heterosexual American-born people of their particular denomination of Christianity. They seem to pick and choose what parts of “The Good Book” to follow.
Of course, most of us in the LGBT community already know that. We’re used to hearing the fire and brimstone rhetoric while the hypocrites shred the proof of their extramarital affairs.
However, could the tides be turning? Could acceptance be on the horizon? Certain denominations of Christianity, like the Lutherans and Episcopalians, have become more welcoming of those in the LGBT community. I have even heard talk of a more progressive sect of Mormons lurking on the horizon.
As a gay Catholic, I must say I appreciate the tolerance that Pope Francis has touted. In fact, I know of other estranged LGBT Catholics that are returning to the church because of the pope’s message. Overall, it seems that the number of LGBT who are returning to or embracing a new religion is on the rise, but some are still very dubious. And I must say that I don’t blame them.
For decades, the alienation and hatred shown toward those in the LGBT community has driven us away from religion, and with that mass exodus, churches have lost money forcing some, I’m sure, to close their doors. Organized religion is, after all, a business.
And it is very possible that this acceptance is coming from pure survival instinct. The rationale being: if we want to keep our doors open and have jobs, we have to get people with money and talent to support us, and we can no longer afford to ostracize a large group of possible donors.
That begs the question: Is acceptance driven by desperation good enough, and will it last? Only time will tell. But the first step in the right direction, regardless of the reason behind it, has been taken. Let’s just hope the love and acceptance will spread.
Featured image via Plaid Heart
