By Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin

We who identify as Christian attempt to follow a figure conceived in scandal (Matthew 1, Luke 1), who was sometimes homeless (Matthew 8, Luke 9), befriended sex workers (Matthew 21, Luke 7), touched “untouchables” (Mark 1, Matthew 8, Luke 5, Luke 17) and was executed for sedition (Mark 15, Matthew 27, John 19, Luke 23). 

Jesus affirmed the sacred value of all people and tried to protect the vulnerable (Mark 10, Matthew 25, Luke 4). Jesus called a particular apostle his “beloved” (John chapters 13, 19, 20, and 21). Jesus defied gender norms, e.g., when he wanted to “mother” the people of Jerusalem (Luke 13). To follow Jesus is to see “that of God” in the marginalized, vilified, demonized, dehumanized, and demoralized. 

Jesus the Jewish West Asian with African ancestry, the humanitarian, the executed criminal, the incarnation of a love that cannot be destroyed (Acts 4.33)…is who Christians call “Lord” (over against the self-anointed keepers of power and inheritors of privilege).   

Jesus represents disruption of the status quo, as well as advocacy for the marginalized. Jesus cares particularly for the oppressed, distressed, and dispossessed; followers of Jesus are meant to do the same. 

Jesus blessed bodies, challenged class exploitation, recognized gender variance (Matthew 19) and blessed love regardless of gender (Matthew 8). Jesus would have certainly blessed contemporary LGBTQ+ liberation theologies and movements. The Jesus I know would be and is a friend of the LGBTQ+ community, possibly a member of it, and definitely in solidarity with us. 

Have a truly happy and empowering Pride Month, in Jesus’ name.

Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin. is the Senior Minister of the Sunshine Cathedral.