Our statement of affirmation
The Bridge Church desires to follow Jesus and love like Jesus loved. In order to reflect this, we have become an LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming church. We will continue the work of creating a community where all feel welcome and loved. Becoming affirming has brought into alignment the words, actions and values that our community has lived out for years. Our commitment to elevating the Good News of Jesus for all is central to who we are.
Being inclusive means we overtly welcome the LGBTQ+ community. We believe in and celebrate the belovedness of those who identify as queer. This belonging includes blessing their marriages, supporting their families, and affording them the same freedoms to participate in all of church life as everyone enjoys. Being affirming means we believe their experience, perspectives and influence as queer people are needed and welcomed here. Because, Jesus has welcomed all of us to God's table.
We recognize that LGBTQ+ people have been harmed and excluded from the church at large. We regret and apologize for how we have, knowingly and unknowingly, advanced these damaging ideas. We have much to learn and acknowledge, and understand that as we grow our community, building trust is part of the way forward. We will continue learning and unlearning in our process of becoming an inclusive community with humility: listening to and learning from LGBTQ+ voices.
We expect to grow and adjust as we embody being a public, intentional and explicitly affirming community. We want to do our part to change the narrative and make room for healing. We are better together and look forward to all that is ahead of us.
We encourage our community to look at these resources and learn as we go, let's be kind to one another and let’s keep talking.