The Huffington Post is reporting that several churches in the Orlando area are offering the use of their facilities free of charge to families of the Pulse nightclub massacre.
The religious community in Orlando is showing support for victims and families of Sunday’s horrific mass shooting.
Several churches in the Orlando area have offered to host funerals for the victims of the tragedy at their facilities, free of charge.
The problem is that none of the three churches named in the article are welcoming and affirming of LGBT people. Two are anti-gay Seventh Day Adventist and the other (Metro Church) is an independent church whose web page promotes traditional gender roles and opposes same-sex marriage and relationships. The Metro Church pastor has a video where he tries to be oh-so-kind and helpful.
I found the pastor's video offering facilities to the families of Pulse victims to be disingenuous. I'm sure he felt sincere, but it falls flat, given his church's anti-gay positions. I called and spoke to a nice lady at Metro Church and politely told her why I thought their gesture was disingenuous. They can be reached at (407) 366-7714 or metrochurch@metrocc.org .
We have plenty of churches, synagogues, and faith communities that are welcoming and affirming to LGBT people. I'm offended that people would use a publicity stunt like this at a time when our communities around the world are grieving.
As my late mother, a fierce church lady in good standing, would have said: "Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back". If they want to "Serve Orlando", they should try reexamining their outdated view of human relationships and sexuality. Make no mistake--it's churches like these that encourage tragedies like the Pulse massacre, whether it’s through anti-gay rhetoric or standing idly by.
They have blood on their hands. And they should be deeply ashamed.
For anyone who wants to really help, donations can be made to Orlando Outreach (Pulse Tragedy). In addition, Joy MCC Orlando has several good links