Unity and Inclusion

Sunday, November 16, 2025

NV Gay (they/she)

Founder, Mx. Gay’s Creative Direction

Queer Christian

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts forms one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

(1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

When we reflect upon the call for inclusion, we must remember that Christ has called us to love and affirm all humanity, not just those who are similar to us. While it might not be intentional, we find as humans an attraction to build a community with people who are similar to us. We often choose comfort in conformity rather than forcing ourselves into discomfort with those people who might look or act differently than ourselves. Think about it, when was the last time you intentionally walked outside of your comfort zone just to empathize with the lives others live?

Congregations often will raise money or perform “charitable” acts of kindness by working at homeless shelters, or free stores; but how often do you see them changing their lives in order to include those who are different in their daily lives?

Jesus taught us to live amongst the unwelcome and unwanted, as that is the only way to truly create a community built upon inclusion and diversity. I think back to my childhood church, where for a couple months the congregation invited a couple who was disabled and living in poverty. This couple was only able to attend if members of the congregation donated their time to drive them to and from the church. For a few months, members were eager to perform this charitable act, but soon it became a burden to members of the congregation. As members were not as eager to drive this couple, their attendance decreased to a point where they did not come at all. Is this what Christ calls us to do? It is important to create a congregation on diversity, equity, and inclusion; members will be forced into inconvenient and uncomfortable situations. Only when forcing yourself to step out of your comfort zone will you truly learn how to create a community that is truly preaching the message of Christ.

Remember that Christ loved and affirmed all of humanity, and constantly aligned with those who were not considered to be “accepted.” You are neither the judge of humanity nor one who can determine who deserves our Creator’s love and acceptance.

Reflection

What can you do to help your congregation or community become more inclusive and Christ-like?

Press Release - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) Joins Church Partner Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 11, 2025

LOVEboldly is happy to announce that Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) has officially joined the LOVEboldly Church Partner Program.

LOVEboldly's Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp, said, "The partnership between Holy Trinity and LOVEboldly has been in the works since Summer 2024 and our collaboration together has already featured supporting Holy Trinity's writing of their affirming statement and Holy Trinity's pastor, the Rev. Steve Wachtman, participating in both Interfaith Pride Services (a LOVEboldly/Stonewall Columbus collaborative program)."

Holy Trinity's established Neighbor-to-Neighbor Social Justice Ministry is providing support for the congregation's partnership with LOVEboldly.

You can find Holy Trinity online at https://engagedbygrace.org.

LOVEboldly is an Ohio, faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in Christianity and beyond. You can learn more about LOVEboldly's work by visiting www.loveboldly.net.

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LOVEboldly's Statement on the US Supreme Court's Rejection of a Challenge to Marriage Equality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2025 - Westerville, OH

Today, the United States Supreme Court rejected a challenge to its landmark 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. While this decision provides a measure of reassurance that same-gender couples' right to marry remains protected at the federal level, LOVEboldly is not celebrating.

We cannot celebrate when LGBTQIA+ people, particularly Transgender and nonbinary individuals, continue to face relentless attacks on their dignity, safety, rights, and their very existence across the country. We can't celebrate when state legislatures persist in passing laws that restrict access to healthcare, criminalize existence in public spaces, and erase LGBTQIA+ people from education and public life. We can't celebrate when the right to marry, while currently secure, exists within a broader landscape of systemic discrimination and violence against our community.

Marriage equality was never the finish line. It has always been one milestone, an important milestone, on a much longer journey toward full liberation and flourishing for LGBTQIA+ people.

LOVEboldly remains committed to creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can not only survive but truly flourish in their faith and spirituality. We know that legal protections, while essential, are insufficient when so many LGBTQIA+ people still experience rejection from their families, their schools, and their faith communities. The work of building inclusive and affirming spiritual spaces remains urgent and necessary.

Today's Supreme Court decision reminds us that rights once won must be continually defended. It also reminds us that our work extends far beyond the courtroom. We must continue building communities of radical love and inclusion, supporting LGBTQIA+ people in their spiritual journeys, and advocating for justice in all its forms.

We remain vigilant. We remain committed. And we remain grounded in the conviction that God's love embraces all people, without exception.

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LOVEboldly is a nonprofit organization that creates spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in Christianity through education, community-building, and advocacy for justice and inclusion.

We invite all who share this vision to stand with us. Support LOVEboldly's mission to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in Christianity. Your donations enable us to continue our vital work of education, advocacy, and community-building. Together, we can build a future where every person experiences the fullness of belonging.

Click here to support LOVEboldly with a donation and investment.