It's strange. I've never belonged to a congregation that wasn't open and affirming (well, except for the first one, and I wound up writing their O&A document and getting it passed), but I've also never thought that participating in a pride parade would be anything more than self-congratulatory and unwelcome. I'm sure my current (Presbyterian) church does march, because they're huge and have a large stake in the More Light (http://www.mlp.org/) movement and several associated fellowships.

If, in fact, folks don't get tired of hearing it, then the ministry of Christ should clearly be about fighting oppression and being a light of service and healing to the world. That the larger church not only fails to provide these blessings to the GLBT community but is so often an additional source of suffering is nothing short of a disgrace. To the degree that I am able, I apologize for the thoughts and deeds of my brethren that do not live up to the standard that we strive for.