It has always troubled me that the most ardent opponents of Pride are often religious folks. They pull out the sacred text of their tradition — like the Bible — and show exactly where it says that some are “in” and others are “out”. I read the very same text and see that we’re all formed in God’s image and we are all beloved.

Here’s the thing about the Bible: you can make it say almost whatever you want it to say. You want to argue in support of accumulating wealth and power? The Bible can support that. You want to argue the opposite, that we should distribute wealth and power? The Bible can support that too. You want to argue that God loves one nation more than another? The Bible can help you with that. You want to argue that God’s love is for all of us? Guess what: the Bible makes that case too. The Bible, which is derived from the same word as library, includes dozens of books from probably hundreds of original writers and maybe thousands of translators over the centuries. Of course its messages will appear inconsistent or even contradictory.

In Paul's letters to the early churches two thousand years ago, he says that men shouldn't have sex slaves. I agree with him. But in translating from the Greek, the English version ended up condemning men who have consensual sex with men, even if Paul didn't intend that.

One of the 613 laws of early Judaism (mitzvot) condemns homosexuality. They were probably concerned about growing their population, partly for purposes of defence. So if men were distracted from their reproductive duties by attempting to do so with other men, the tribe wouldn't grow. We eventually solved that problem fairly easily by finally recognizing that queer folk parent just as well as the rest of us. (Besides, a few short years ago we were encouraging limiting natural population growth!)

So when Christians or other Bible-readers seek to exclude folks on the basis of sexual orientation, they’re making that choice first then using the Bible to support that practice of exclusion. That decision comes from a theology of scarcity: there isn't quite enough of God's love to go around, so let's take it upon ourselves to decide who's worthy. 

It seems like it's time for a new theology — a new way of understanding God. 

This “new” theology would derive from a belief that God's love is great enough for all of us. God's metaphorical arms are big enough for every single one of us. This “new” theology would ask, if we start with the belief that there's enough love, how then do we interpret the Bible? This “new” theology looks a lot like Jesus breaking bread with tax collectors and sex workers; this “new” theology looks like Jesus offering healing to lepers, or forgiving people hundreds of times even for the same mistake. It seems this “new” theology would be exactly what Jesus taught and showed. I suppose it isn't so new after all.

At James Bay United Church we practice seeing each other as more alike than we are different. The differences are important — that's what makes us interesting! We don't always hit the mark: I'm sure there has been a visitor or two who thought we couldn't tolerate the “difference” they brought, and maybe we owe them an apology. But the point is that we're trying. 

Things have changed a lot in broader society over the past few decades. Yes, some churches will cling with great perseverance to homophobia and transphobia partly because doing so is part of their identity. I suggest they need to let go of that old theology and let that part die, so something beautiful can be born. Even Jesus had to die to an old way of life to uncover something beautiful and amazing. 

So if you're celebrating Pride these days, know that there’s a whole group of religious folks who see you and are always on the side of love. New life always comes even if it's a struggle to find it. Happy Pride, and stay safe — you're worth it. 

(This article was prepared for James Bay Beacon, July-August 2026) 

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