Shoppers for justice and people of faith are rallying around a new, multi-faith statement called Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom , a bold call from the Lavender Interfaith Collective urging communities, leaders and institutions to protect LGBTQ+ dignity and push back against growing anti-LGBTQ+ laws and rhetoric.

Essential Takeaways

  • Who’s behind it: Lavender Interfaith Collective (LInC) brings together clergy and faith leaders across traditions to affirm LGBTIQ+ dignity and rights.
  • What it does: Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom is a public, multi-faith call to action urging solidarity, legal defence, and pastoral care.
  • Tone and reach: The statement is both spiritual and civic , it frames religious support as a moral duty, not just policy preference.
  • Practical effect: It gives congregations language and frameworks to oppose discrimination and support queer youth in real-life settings.
  • The feeling: The movement is resolute and compassionate, intended to soothe hearts and galvanise action.

A clear refutation: faith used as a weapon, and a louder reply

Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer’s recent piece captures the raw emotion many feel: grief over attacks on trans and nonbinary youth, and anger that silence can equal complicity. According to the Lavender Interfaith Collective, Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom is meant to answer that cry with a firm theological and civic rebuttal. The language is pastoral but pointed, aimed at faith communities who want to reclaim religion as a force for protection rather than persecution.

Who the Lavender Interfaith Collective are , and why that matters

Lavender Interfaith Collective describes itself as a coalition of clergy and lay leaders who centre queer dignity in faith practice. Their approach ties spiritual testimony to practical civic action, giving religious communities tools to resist discriminatory laws and hostile rhetoric. For many congregations, this isn’t abstract: it’s pastoral care, public witness, and a resource kit for supporting LGBTQ+ members.

How Sacred Worth fits into a wider faith-based movement

Groups like the Interfaith Alliance and Sacred Dignity have been building similar bridges, arguing that faith traditions have long held diverse, protective stances on LGBTQ+ issues. The new statement sits alongside existing efforts that provide theological rationale for inclusion and concrete policy advocacy. That helps move conversations from "should we?" to "how do we act?" , and it nudges churches, synagogues and mosques toward practical steps.

What this means for LGBTQ+ people and allied congregations

Practically, Sacred Worth gives congregations language to welcome queer people and defend their rights in civic debates. If your community is wondering what to say when local policy debates flare up, a multi-faith statement offers both moral clarity and shared vocabulary. For parents and young people, having faith leaders speak out can be quietly lifesaving , it reassures, it legitimises, and it can mobilise legal and social support.

How to use the statement locally , simple, actionable tips

If you’re part of a congregation, consider sharing the statement at a service, in newsletters, or on social channels. Host a discussion group to unpack its theological and civic claims. Reach out to local LGBTQ+ organisations and offer sanctuary, volunteer hours, or a public statement of support. Small acts , a sermon, a letter to a councillor, a hosted workshop , add up quickly when faith communities coordinate.

It's a small but meaningful shift: faith used to exclude is being reclaimed to protect.

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