Pastor opens dialogue on Christianity and LGBTQ+ in Rockford

Yahoo11-06-2025

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford pastor is working to bridge Christian theology with the LGBTQ+ community by hosting a conversation on Biblical scripture and sexuality.
'Just because it's not listed [in the Bible], that there are others within that spectrum, it doesn't mean that they're not God ordained,' said Zion Lutheran Pastor Mike Thomas, who led a conversation on Christian scripture and its relation to sexuality on Tuesday afternoon at Katie's Cup, 502 7th Street.
Thomas said it took him 30 years to become an LGBTQ+ ally.
'I wasn't advocating. I was spineless,' he said.
Today, Thomas is using Pride Month to open a conversation on how Christianity and sexuality intersect.
'We celebrate having conversations like this one today here, as well as at church on Sunday, to talk about what does the Scripture say about people who are in the gay community,' Thomas said.
In many denominations, views interpreting homosexuality as a sin or aberration have softened, with recent studies showing a growing number of Americans support the LGBTQ+ community.
71-year-old Debbie Raymond said attitudes toward gay people have come a long way.
'At the beginning, it was very tough. You basically lived in a closet, you know, you didn't talk very much,' she recalled.
Now, she's a proud member of the Lutheran church. Raymond credited events such as the one at Katie's Cup for helping to bring her and others back to religion.
'Go talk to pastors, go talk to congregations. You know, do your research, understand the first rule: I was born this way,' she said.
'It's wonderful to be able to change people's perspective on understanding what Scripture says, as well as what the central message of God's grace and mercy, through Christ. In the Gospels, that's the emphasis that we focus on,' Thomas said.
Thomas also said he saw more Christian denominations than ever before at this year's on Saturday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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53 Ridiculous Unnecessarily Gendered Products

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11 hours ago

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53 Ridiculous Unnecessarily Gendered Products

'Cause I'm totally thinking about being "super-cute" when defending myself against an attacker. The fluffy parts would definitely just get in the way. Why do women need different tools to begin with? Finally, men can eat!!! Boys and girls need different again? What does it even mean for toothpaste to be formulated ~for men~? Bro, you gotta wipe your I swear it makes you feel like a real man. What if I'm hangry as a woman? What then? Remind me why men need different hair dryers than women? And different loofahs? And scalp massagers? Finally! Ice for women! Looks like some marketing exec decided girls like guns, too, but only if they're pink! Same with miscroscopes. What about this makes it not for girls? I'm so glad men can finally enjoy candles. And bath bombs. God forbid a girl use — or even play with — a broom that isn't pink. Lavender is for men, too! You just have to call it "manly lavender smells" instead of "lavender." Oh no, I need to mark what page I left off at in my book, but I only have my boyfriend's male book marker available! I guess I'll just have to lose my progress. :( I guess women can't have ginseng or chili? Gee, I didn't realize how important it was for men and women to use different batteries! Of course, the one for women costs more just because it's pink. Same with these razors. I'm sure glad girls can worship Jesus, too. I guess I should just be happy they have one for boys? This is just blatantly sexist. As is this. And this. These gift cards are hopelessly gendered (men get Xbox and Ripcurl; women get MAC and Sephora). Why do we have to gender these at all, and why does getting served more beer make a man a king and a woman a wench? I guess with men acting the way they do when they get a cold or the flu, I get why companies think they need different recovery shots. What about this is "for girls"? Oh great, more pink tax. Just go to Ulta. I bet they have better concealer anyway. These are the exact same, except the women's option has fewer pills and costs more. Why did they need to make a different pair of tweezers for men? It looks exactly the same as the pair I have. I guess women can't use products with charcoal. Why do men need different soap? Was there really a need for fireworks specifically for girls??? Because men can't look in normal mirrors. Wait, are they vampires? Good news, gamer girls (oh, sorry, gamer babes) — you finally have your own t-shirt! I'm so glad the Girl Boss era is over. Phew, I'm sure glad this store sells toothbrushes for men and women. Otherwise, what would I buy??? Gasp — a regular toothbrush??? I didn't realize men needed different Q-tips. Or a different soup. It's just science, y'all. Would you rather smell like men or apricot? Why do we need a different guide for women? Of course the women's version has less product, but at least it costs less this time. What will happen if I eat this as a girl? And is the correct answer. H/T: r/pointlesslygendered

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a day ago

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Juneteenth celebrated at Civic Plaza

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque celebrated Juneteenth at Civic Plaza Saturday. The holiday is this Thursday and honors the day slavery ended in the United States when, in 1865, the slaves in Galveston, Texas, were freed. Saturday's event is called Rooted in Selience: Rising in Unity and features powerful performances and activities, vendors, and all uplifting Black culture. People who came out shared what Juneteenth means to them. PHOTOS: No Kings Rally at Mariposa Basin Park 'It means our freedom, that we fought for our freedom all these years. We still fight for them,' said an attendee. The Juneteenth celebration is free to attend and is scheduled to continue at Civic Plaza until 11:00 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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