My new hometown is in the middle of the “Bible Belt”, but unfortunately our pants are still falling down, caused by a theology that separates rather than welcomes and upholds. Not only are we in the Bible belt, but we are also the buckle in the belt; and not only the buckle, but the little prong thingy in the buckle. All of this to simply say we are in the thick of overt religiosity here in middle Tennessee. The dictionary defines “belt” as: “an article worn for protection or safety as a symbol of distinction; an area characterized by some distinctive feature as of culture…”

This week as I drove around town, I couldn’t help but notice how many churches had signs out front stating, “Everyone welcome”. That would be funny if it weren’t so tragically false. The churches gathering behind these “welcome” signs are protected alright, and safe from anyone who dares to believe in the inherent worth and belovedness of all God’s creation, especially those who don’t toe the party line. Is “everyone” really welcome in their theologically boxed world? Are those whose faith is dried up to the point that it’s barely discernable really welcome? What about those who don’t have any faith at all, having been beaten to a pulp with a spiritually abusive theology rendering them all but broken and empty? How about the questioners? The one’s who were told that the devil is playing with your mind, and you shouldn’t question? Are they really welcome? How about the most marginalized among us, which encompasses numerous people groups, people of color, the LGBTQ community, the economically challenged?

My faith journey, my spiritual journey came into my consciousness at the age of thirteen, although in reality it began at birth. I was swallowed up by a faulty theology that told me I was no good, and separated from God. I bought into the wretch part of “Amazing Grace”, with nary a thought to the Grace part. As a young person I knew I was gay, and that secret held so deeply within, caused a type of spiritual schizophrenia. The terrible ache of knowing with all your being that you belong to God, and He belongs to you and is in you, and yet being told from the pulpit that you are the filthiest of vile sinners. The constant message resonating from our pastor was the only prayer God heard from people like me, was the sinners prayer, anything else just bounced off the ceiling and was never heard by God because he turned away from the likes of me. From my first days in evangelicalism, I knew I wasn’t welcome, even though there was a sign out front.

Through a lifetime of being unwelcome at the table reserved for a certain brand of Christianity, I have finally reserved a spot among the loving. Everyone is welcome simply by virtue of the fact that we have been made in the image of God and have inherent value. The best part is, the unfolding revelation is expressed through living the message of love, and everyone is welcome, no sign needed.