The intersection of faith and public life often presents pivotal moments that define a community’s character. One such moment has arrived with the release of Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom by the Lavender Interfaith Collective (LInC). This bold, multi-faith statement is more than a declaration; it is a call to action that affirms the inherent dignity of LGBTIQ+ people and urges communities to stand against discrimination and violence.
Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, Coordinator of LInC and Co-Pastor of Northwest Community Church – United Church of Christ in Las Vegas, Nevada, emphasizes that this statement is a line in the sand drawn by people of faith who refuse to let fear dictate the narrative. It is a response to the long-standing use of religion as a weapon against LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary youth.
The roots of Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom
The statement is grounded in the ancient truth that every person possesses inherent dignity, a principle that no legislative body, pulpit, or political agenda can erase. It also highlights the interconnectedness of freedom, asserting that when one group is targeted, the entire community suffers, and when one group is protected, the community becomes stronger.
Rev. Schuenemeyer shares personal experiences of witnessing queer and trans youth seeking acceptance in congregations, parents fearing for their children’s safety, and elders who have survived past waves of hatred. These experiences underscore the urgency of the statement’s message and the need for courageous action.
A call to courage and action
Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom is a call to faith leaders to reclaim the moral center of their traditions, moving beyond mere statements of welcome to practices of protection, advocacy, and solidarity. It invites the wider public to recognize that the struggle for LGBTIQ+ dignity is integral to the struggle for a healthy democracy.
Some may argue that faith leaders should stay out of public life, but history shows that faith communities have always shaped the moral imagination of society. The question is not whether religion will influence public life, but how. Will it narrow or widen the circle of belonging? Will it bless fear or courage?
Those who endorse Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom are choosing courage. They are standing with those whose lives are being legislated, debated, and threatened. They are affirming that LGBTIQ+ people are not problems to be solved but neighbors to be cherished. This is not about performative allyship or sympathy; it is about action that protects, uplifts, and transforms.
The invitation to join the movement
Rev. Schuenemeyer extends an invitation to people of faith, community leaders, and anyone who believes in human dignity. The call is to read the statement, share it, and sign it. It is an invitation to move from conviction to courage, from belief to embodiment. Because our shared worth and dignity are not subject to human judgment, and our shared freedom is a responsibility that we must claim together.
The release of Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for LGBTIQ+ rights. It is a testament to the power of faith communities coming together to affirm dignity and combat discrimination. As Rev. Schuenemeyer puts it, it is a call to action that refuses to let fear have the final word.
