The segment on ABC’s Good Morning America “Out Loud” section on Monday addressed the intersection of pride and religion, highlighting the growing trend of some churches becoming more inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.
Reporter Steve Osunsami shared that recent surveys have shown that there are more LGBTQ+ individuals who identify as religious than many people would expect. The segment featured a clip from the “I Tried to Be Straight Podcast,” which focuses on the experiences of queer Christian individuals and the emotional conversations they are having about their faith and sexuality.
The segment also drew attention to the recent decision by the United Methodist Church to end its ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and recognize same-sex marriage as valid within the church. Bishop Tracy Malone, speaking in a video interview with Osunsami, shared that the change in the church’s stance is a result of a greater understanding of human sexuality and science, which has shown that sexual orientation is not a choice.
However, the notion that people are “born” with a certain sexual orientation does not excuse actively choosing to engage in behaviors and actions that go against biblical teachings on sex and gender. As Christians, we are called to follow the truths of scripture and repent when we fall short, rather than seeking affirmation for our sinful actions.
GMA also featured Asya Coles, a “young, queer black person” who is hoping to become a minister. She is a member of “Pride in the Pews,” a group that aims to train black faith leaders to create more inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ community within their churches. While Coles expressed her hope that God loves and accepts her, it is important to remember that God loves us all despite our sins, but also calls us to repent and turn away from our sinful actions.
In conclusion, the segment on the intersection of “pride” and religion on GMA may seem like a powerful and important story, but it is important to recognize that it comes with controversy. As mentioned, the United Methodist Church’s decision has led to over a million members leaving the church. On the other hand, there are many religious individuals who are walking away from their churches because they feel that their ministry is becoming too hostile towards traditional biblical teachings on sexuality.
As usual, GMA chooses to focus solely on the narrative of acceptance and inclusivity within the church, without addressing the other side of the argument. This biased reporting misleads viewers and fails to present a balanced perspective. As Christians, it is important to stand firm in our beliefs and remember that true love and acceptance come from following God’s teachings, not from seeking validation and affirmation from the world.