For decades, I held traditional views about LGBTQ+ people, believing it limited access to a relationship with God. This changed after befriending a lesbian on a hiking trail. Through relationships and academics, I realized the harm caused by misinterpreting sacred texts to exclude LGBTQ+ people. I deeply regret my role in this harm and am committed to sharing solid academics to address the damage caused by faulty assumptions and thin theology.

To me, as a lesbian woman coming from a non-affirming christian background, the Rainbow Statement, where straight cis gender christians express their regret for not having stood up for the lgbtqia+ community in the past, is both - somewhat - healing and encouraging. It gives hope for a more loving and inclusive world, where lgbtqia+ people are truly accepted and celebrated for who they are, both outside and inside the church.

The rainbow statement holds deep significance for me as a trans man of faith, despite the judgment that has been spewed against me, I have found my home within him. For God is love, and his love transcends all boundaries and embraces us all with open arms.

The Rainbow Statement is an important first step of repentance for the way LGBTQ+ folks have been harmed by Christians. Reparation and restitution are the nexts steps and I’m hopeful we will continue down this path.

The Rainbow statement is a great way for heterosexual Christians to repent and admit the harm non-affirming Christian spaces have caused. The first step in repairing harm caused is acknowledging it and then doing everything in our power to repair it. I’m grateful for the rainbow statement as it pushes us towards a better way forward in our faith.

Of course we need to do more than say sorry— we need to do what Jesus did and actually center the people who have been the victims of oppression. But this is such a healthy place to start. I love the kindness and humility. They were words my heart needed to hear, and also say.

What you are doing here is so much more than 'just' making this Rainbow statement. You give an ointment and bandage for the wound in me that was made years ago and is constantly being reopened.

Let's pass on Jesus love and grace given to us, to all the people. God made each one if them a masterpiece, in Their resemblance.