"Pride" started in the Gay & Lesbian community years ago, but has grown into a broader movement about inclusivity beyond sexual orientation. The Rainbow Flag, while still often regarded as the 'Gay Flag,' has become a symbol of rights for many people that have been on the margins. The United Church's Affirming program, which started out in response to the issue of ordination of gay men and women in the 1980's, has expanded its mandate to include accessibility, race, gender, gender identity, social statues, etc.
What does it mean to be part of an institution that, historically, has persecuted homosexual persons? What does it mean for us that many Christian churches - down the street and around the world - continue to focus on sexual diversity as 'an abomination' when there so many other sins in the world that are hurting so many people?
Imagine what the church could do if the energy expended worrying about what two consenting adults do in private (or where someone goes to pee), was spent defending civil rights, fighting for peace, providing after-school programs for at-risk youth, helping young women understand their bodies and their right to say 'no,' or demanding the government honour its obligations to treaties and veterans. Imagine! That, my friends, could be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
