(CNN) Religion has often been used to put down the LGBT community. But at a pride parade this past weekend in Marikina, a city just east of the Phillipines' capital of Manila, a group of Christians gathered to say something different: I'm sorry.

Church members offer apologies.

Members of the Church of Freedom in Christ Ministries stood at the main entrance of the parade holding signs that offered apologies for how the LGBT community has been treated by Christians.

Their banners read, "We're here to apologize for the ways that we as Christians have harmed the LGBT community."

Some of the signs had more personal sentiments.

One man's stated, "Can we hug you?"

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