'We wanted people to feel like they belonged': Rural Alberta churches celebrate 2SLGBTQ Pride

Rev. Robin King took over a church in Bashaw, Alta., and desired to make the congregation more inclusive.

His initiative helped spread love even further.

"Jesus never talked about tolerating people. He just talked about loving them and accepting them for who they are," King said.

Many churches throughout rural Alberta are striving to become more accepting of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community — cohorts of people who have historically been discriminated against by those of the Christian faith.

Among them is King's church in Bashaw, a central Alberta town about 110 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

King took over the church fourteen years ago. Around seven years ago, he said he wanted to begin celebrating Bashaw's 2SLGBTQ community and create a safe space for everyone. 

WATCH | Rural Alberta churches celebrate Pride:

The church's outside steps were painted rainbow-coloured, launching a conversation about becoming more open, King said — although a number of church members were displeased.

Then, the church displayed more artwork around the building, some of which were created by members of the 2SLGBTQ  community.

"We focused a lot on doing community things and connecting with people in the community," King said. "The more we did that, the more we realized we really want to go beyond just saying, 'Hey, we're at church and we're open to anybody.'"

The church aims to include the 2SLGBTQ community in everything, he added, such as sermons, group discussions, crafting events and movie nights that include 2SLGBTQ films.

Chris Struit has attended Ponoka United Church on and off since they were a kid.

Located in Ponoka, Alta., a town about 95 kilometres south of Edmonton, the church and its congregation — along with other churches in the community — have a history of being intolerant toward the 2SLGBTQ community, according to activists. 

Struit, who is gender fluid, recalls an incident in 2008 when the then-minister said anyone who is unaccepting of the queer community and gay marriage could leave the church — and many did.