Gay Christian Yes campaign goes public in Grand Rapids

Earlier today members of the group GIFT – Gays in Faith Together – went public with a new campaign to generate more support for those who identify as Christian and as members of the LGBT community.

The group kicked off their campaign by putting up a billboard and hosting a Press Conference at Westminster Presbyterian Church near downtown Grand Rapids.

Theresa McClellan, the Christian Yes Campaign coordinator, welcomed those in attendance and announced the online resources available to faith communities and individuals wanting to explore the possibility of becoming an open and affirming church.

Some of the resources available include:

• listings of 30 area gay-friendly churches
• articles and affirming sermons from pastors and theologians
• books, videos, and stories from gay Christians, as well as friends, family, and allies

Rev. Jim Lucas, the founder of GIFT also spoke about the campaign and the significance of kicking off the campaign during the Christian Holy week. You can watch the brief presentation from Rev. Lucas in the video below.

After Rev. Lucas spoke, several area clergy then addressed the media and talked about their personal journeys and what the congregations they represent have done to address what some of them referred to as a justice issue.