The Oceanside Sanctuary Church, established in 1875 and one of the oldest continually operating churches in San Diego County, will celebrate its first LGBTQ Pride Sunday service on June 27th, 2021 at 11 AM. The church also announces the hiring of its first openly LGBTQ minister, Joey Pearson, who serves as the Minister of Music and recently debuted his latest album, “A Place at the Table.”
“I think most heterosexual and cisgender people have no idea the depth of trauma LGBTQ people have experienced at the hands of religion in general, and Christianity in particular,” commented Rev. Jason Coker, Lead Pastor of the Oceanside Sanctuary. “Openly celebrating the inherent goodness of all genders and sexual orientations as a result of being created in the image of God, is just one small step we can take as a church.”
Special guests on June 27th include Max Disposti, founder and Executive Director of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, as well as local singer and recording artist Celeste Barbier. Joey Pearson will lead the service’s music and said, “This church is dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for people of all sexual orientations and genders. I know what it feels like to be told that I am not welcome at church. We must make an intentional and public decision to be open and affirming of Queer folks. All are welcome at God’s table.”
Oceanside Sanctuary has taken an historic stand in support of full acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ people in church membership, marriage, and leadership. All who are interested are invited to attend at 11 AM on June 27th at 204 S. Freeman St., Oceanside, CA 92049.