OMAHA, NE – While I have been posting articles criticizing local bigoted and anti-LGBT churches in the area, let’s not forget about the churches who are LGBT friendly. The Heartland Proclamation was officially announced June 15th, 2011 and has become a beacon of hope for members of the LGBT Community who still want to worship in a place friendly to Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered people.

According to the Heartland Proclamation website: “The Heartland Proclamation is a public apology to LGBT persons for times clergy have been silent when we should have spoken a word of grace and good news. It is also an affirmation that ‘the essence of Christian life is not focused on sexual orientation, but how one lives by grace in relationship with God, with compassion toward humanity.’ The Proclamation calls for an end to all religious and civil discrimination based on sexual orientation and celebrates the prophetic witness of those who have met hatred with love.”

The Heartland Proclamation currently has over 261 signers from local area churches. Below is excerpt from the Proclamation itself.

As Christian Clergy we proclaim the Good News concerning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons and publicly apologize where we have been silent. As disciples of Jesus, who assures us that the truth sets us free, we recognize that the debate is over. The verdict is in. Homosexuality is not a sickness, not a choice, and not a sin. We find no rational biblical or theological basis to condemn or deny the rights of any person based on sexual orientation. Silence by many has allowed political and religious rhetoric to monopolize public perception, creating the impression that there is only one Christian perspective on this issue. Yet we recognize and celebrate that we are far from alone, as Christians, in affirming that LGBT persons are distinctive, holy, and precious gifts to all who struggle to become the family of God.

Its nice to know that not every religion in Omaha believes the LGBT Community is disgusting and evil for who they are. I just wish these hateful churches would respect the beliefs of other religions the way they want to be respected, know what I mean?