The release of Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom by the Lavender Interfaith Collective (LInC) marks a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This multi-faith declaration, launched on June 14, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is more than a statement—it’s a call to action that challenges communities, leaders, and institutions to stand against discrimination and violence targeting LGBTIQ+ individuals.
Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, Coordinator of LInC and Co-Pastor at Northwest Community Church – United Church of Christ, emphasizes that this is not just about theology but about protecting real lives. The statement urges faith leaders to move beyond passive welcome and into active advocacy, recognizing that the struggle for LGBTQ+ dignity is inseparable from the fight for a healthy democracy.
The urgency of breaking the silence
For decades, religion has often been misused as a tool to oppress LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary youth. Many faith leaders have watched this oppression with growing concern, realizing that silence is not an option. As Schuenemeyer notes, silence is not neutrality—it is complicity.
The Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom statement is rooted in the belief that every person possesses inherent dignity that no political agenda or legislative action can erase. It asserts that our freedoms are interconnected—when one group is targeted, the entire community suffers, and when one group is protected, the whole community grows stronger.
A lived reality, not just abstract theology
This statement is not theoretical—it reflects the real experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. Schuenemeyer has witnessed firsthand the fear and uncertainty faced by queer and trans youth entering congregations, the anxiety of parents protecting their children, and the resilience of communities refusing to let history repeat itself.
The declaration calls on faith leaders to reclaim the moral core of their traditions, moving beyond superficial statements of welcome to tangible actions that protect and uplift marginalized individuals. It challenges congregations to engage in advocacy and solidarity, recognizing that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is a fight for the soul of democracy itself.
The power of collective action
Some argue that faith leaders should remain separate from public life, but history shows that faith communities have always shaped the moral landscape. The question is not whether religion will influence public life, but how. Will it narrow the circle of belonging, or will it widen it? Will it bless fear, or will it bless courage?
Those who endorse Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom are choosing courage. They are standing with those whose lives are being debated and threatened, affirming that LGBTQ+ individuals are not problems to be solved but neighbors to be cherished. This is not about performative allyship—it’s about taking concrete actions that protect, uplift, and transform.
The invitation is clear: read the statement, share it, and sign it. Let it move you from conviction to courage, from belief to action. Because our shared worth and dignity are not negotiable, and our shared freedom is a responsibility we must all claim together.
