A rainbow banner beamed from the altar. A colorful balloon declared "Welcome Home!" as a rainbow balloon and its smiling cloud companions framed the cross hung at the front of the sanctuary. Parishioners sang out, "Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live. ... All are welcome in this place."  

There was no question the LGBT community were welcome and celebrated at an ecumenical Christian service offered as part of St. Cloud Pride Sunday afternoon at Peace United Church of Christ.

The service and a workshop that followed on the connections of faith, gender identity and transgender people were new to the schedule of events. They were added to accompany the cabaret, drag shows and other festivities associated with Pride celebrations.

Peace United held the events, with the Rev. John Fiscus, who is believed to be the first openly gay pastor to serve in the St. Cloud area. He joined Peace United in 2015.

In his sermon, what he called his "St. Cloud Statement," Fiscus recounted instances of hate he had experienced because of who he was, and he wanted to leave no doubt with the congregation: 

"You are beloved. You are beloved." 

The Christian service was meant to be one that welcomes anybody. In a way, it's getting back to the roots of Pride celebrations, Fiscus said.

At one time, the only marching units were gay bars and churches who were trying to affirm people, he said. "There's a long history of welcoming churches ... because it's a social justice issue."

Fiscus asked friends and fellow people of faith who are allies or LGBT individuals to attend the service. 

"I'm trying to give faces and voices to the religious part of it, to say that we are in other churches in other places and make it visible," Fiscus said. "And to affirm that that identity can be welcomed in church."

Fiscus said it's meant to feel like a Christian service and to "let people know there are churches in places where they can live into their full identity. 

"That's not just OK, that's understood," he said. "We welcome your full understanding of who you are and who you are in the eyes of God."

Pastor John Fiscus spoke at an ecumenical Christian service as part of St. Cloud Pride at Peace United Church of Christ on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. This is his full sermon. Stephanie Dickrell, sdickrell@stcloudtimes.com

The service was to include scripture and communion. 

"We will serve communion because I know that there are churches that deny communion to gay and lesbian persons," he said. "It's really important to say: You can be who you are and be celebrated. Your wholeness can be celebrated in front of God."

Fiscus is also working to support the local transgender community, as they've become more visible in news and politics. It's the right time, he said. CentraCare Health recently opened a Gender Medicine program to work with transgender people. 

He added it's important the faith community be part of that support. 

With that intention, he asked Peter Murray from OutFront Minnesota to speak about transgender people, gender identity and faith. Murray talked about the connections between transgender identities and theology, ritual and traditions.

The group also looked at current events and the political climate and discussed ways faith communities can respond.

"I'm trying to bring a face to this," Fiscus said. "I don't have all the answers." 

And he hopes this is only the beginning. He says to look for more events like the ecumenical Christian service and the workshop on transgender issues at next year's Pride. 

by Stephanie Dickrell St. Cloud Times