Happy Pride, Friends!

While many of us in the RCA are gearing up for General Synod, LGBTQIA+ folks and their allies are also beginning Pride Month celebrations! Whether you’re participating in a local march, hosting a Room for All Sunday service using our resources (see more on those below), or celebrating in some other way with friends and chosen family, I sincerely hope it’s a time of joy and affirmation for you.

Too often I hear “isn’t Pride a sin?” Or, “Pride (or the rainbow flag, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, etc.) is too political!” Pride began when angry queer folks, led by transgender women of color, pushed back against police brutality at NYC’s Stonewall Inn in 1969. So, yes, Pride is political. But that’s not the only reason why we care.

We care about our LGBTQIA+ siblings because of the radical example set for us by Jesus. And yes, while his message had political ramifications as well, the ways he upended the norms of his day are astounding to think about. Caring for the least of these? A shepherd seeking out the one lost sheep? Hanging out with lepers and tax collectors? Jesus’ message was radical in its message to all of us: love God, and love your neighbor.

As for Pride being a sin, I’ll leave it to the Apostle Paul to speak on that. “I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.” 2 Corinthians 7:4

No, LGBTQIA+ Pride isn’t a sin. What’s sin is the forces of our society that harm queer folks and other marginalized communities. What’s sin is sharing any version of God or Jesus’ message that results in hatred or malice towards others. Sin is that which separates us from God, and I’ve never seen God’s face more clearly than in my queer and transgender siblings and their joy amidst adversity.

Go forth and have pride friends. Be political. Let Jesus inspire you to work for the betterment of your neighbor, your friend, and even your enemy. Protest with joy, and love one another well. I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in each of you.

Cameron Van Kooten Laughead, Executive Director

Celebrate with RfA Sunday Worship Resources

Download the Resources

As you prepare to celebrate God’s diverse creation this June, or anytime throughout the year, you’ll find prayers, hymn suggestions, community activity ideas, coloring pages and more within these pages. This digital kit is based on the lectionary for Sunday June 16th, 2024, and is deeply rooted in the parable of the mustard seed in Mark 4.

If you do choose to use these resources or any pieces of them, please credit Room for All as the author, with contributions by Rev. David Groeneveld, Rev. Emily Ratering-Youngberg, and Elliot Weidenaar, M.Div. and tag us in your photos of your celebrations @roomforallrca!

Shop for RfA Swag

Prepping for Pride? Buy merch with the gorgeous birds and creatures from this year’s resources, or any of our previous designs to keep or to share.

You’ll find stickers, pins, shirts, hats, mugs and more available there, with discounts for buying in numerous amounts.

When you make a purchase from ShopRfA, a portion of the proceeds comes back to fund the programming and resources Room for All provides.
While these sales are not tax deductible, we appreciate you wearing your support!

General Synod 2024 Workbook Review

Our ED Cameron will be co-hosting a workbook review session for this year's General Synod Workbook on Monday, June 3 at 12 Noon Eastern. He will be joined by his co-host, Rev. Dr. James Brumm, and representatives of the Restructuring Team, African American Black Council, Commission on Church Order, and the RCA office of Interreligious Relations.

All are welcome, Zoom registration is required.

If you missed our recent Affirmed + Celebrated panel discussions, you can watch the replays anytime!

Panel 1, Sections 2 + 3 with Rev. Stephanie Kaper-Dale, Rev. Jeff Knol and Dr. Jane Dickie

Panel 2, Sections 4 + 6 with Rev. Dr. Mashona Walston, Rev. David Groeneveld, and Rev. Dr. Mara Norden

Panel 3, Sections 5 + 7 with Rev. Dr. Micah McCreary, Rev. Liz Estes, and Rev. Brenna Rubio

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