To their credit, many churches are learning about the psychology of sexual orientation and the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, and are consequently becoming more nuanced in their teachings on this subject.

In anticipation of the Spokane Pride Parade next month, I would like to address a misconception that I have encountered in my church.

Abuse is always heartbreaking, but when the perpetrator is a respected and trusted spiritual leader, it seems even more painful.

The rhetoric surrounding guns in our country right now is impressively divisive. There is such a severe imaginary line between sides of the debate – either you support gun ownership or you don’t – that good, kind Christians sometimes automatically translate “demonstration against violence” to “demands to take away everyone’s right to own guns,” in their minds.

The most recent edition of Sojourners Magazine includes an anonymous letter to the editor that says, “But there is one voice that is not heard too often. It is that of sexual violence against men by male authority figures. I suspect there are many men out there who trusted a male authority figure and were assaulted. We are hurting.”

“That’s not abstinence-only education,” my professor said, frowning, “that’s shaming.”