Pastors Speak Out in Support of Franklin PRIDE Fest

Advocacy group calls for inclusion, celebrates Aldermanic support of LGBTQ event

On the heels of the Franklin Board of Alderman deciding by a one-vote margin to approve a permit for the Franklin PRIDE fest, pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition voiced their support of the move.

Franklin pastor Kevin Riggs of Franklin Community Church said Aldermen and the Mayor ultimately made the welcoming, inclusive decision with their vote.

"The LGBTQIA+ community is an essential part of the beloved community, the kingdom of God. Their total acceptance by our community, and complete inclusion in our community, is one of the many reasons our city is one of the best cities in the country. When people in the community, including elected officials, denigrate the intrinsic worth and dignity they possess as humans made in God’s image, it breaks God's heart. 

Riggs also added that an essential element of democracy is not favoring one religious preference over another.

"Living in a representative democracy where freedom of religion is valued, no form of government can favor one religion over all the others. The First Amendment is for everyone’s benefit and safety."

Another member of the Southern Christian Coalition expressed concern over what he said was hurtful and divisive rhetoric over the permitting issue.

"While I'm grateful that the Franklin Board of Alderman approved the Franklin Pride Festival on the basis of the first amendment, I was disappointed more elected leaders weren't more vocal in their support of the LGBTQ+ community," said Rev. Matt Steinhauer, Interim Pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Nashville. "As a Christian pastor I believe that all of us, no matter our gender, race, or sexual orientation, are made in the image of God and have invaluable worth to both God and our community and they deserve to have a day of celebration. Hearing people claim the name of Jesus as a reason for discrimination was discouraging and contrary to the all inclusive Gospel of Jesus."

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