We've seen the beautiful pride signs and flags professing 'Love is Love' during June, declared PRIDE month nation wide. And yet, as we saw how quickly the brand new rainbow crosswalk downtown Paris, Ontario was vandalized at the beginning of this month, our realization of how very far we have to go becomes evident. The United Church of Canada website has some wonderful resources on gender, sexuality and orientation and is a great place to find out what, as a church, we believe and what we can do to help.

Here is a wonderful prayer written by Alydia Smith for Pride Month. 

Constant Friend, because

People of every sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity have the right to live with dignity and without persecution or discrimination, we

Remember in our prayers:

LGBTQ+ people of Chechnya, Uganda, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and elsewhere who have been murdered and tortured because of who they are. We remember them and the people who love them.

LGBTQ+ refugees from around the world seeking safety and sanctuary. We remember them and the people who welcome them.

Trans and gender-diverse people in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and elsewhere, who are targeted victims of hate crimes and assaults. We remember them and the people who love them.

LGBTQ+ people whose dignity and self-esteem have been eroded by hateful systems and structures. We remember them and seek to be people who love more fully.

Individually, we each uniquely reflect your glory and express your love, but anti-gay violence, homophobia, and transphobia have blocked many from recognizing your beauty in all people. All of creation suffers from the effects of such hate, fear, and violence.

Daily, may we dedicate ourselves to building bridges of love and hope where harmful divisions have been made, making equity and equality for all people our goal, while working continually for justice, so that 

Everyone can live fully in your love. Amen.

 

Love is love.

 

Karen Murray-Hopf

Media and Communications Coordinator