September 5, 2013 | Sex & Society

Christians who love

Yesterday, the NALT (Not All Like That) Christians Project was launched.

The purpose of the initiative - being spearheaded by Dan Savage, Wayne Besen from Truth Wins Out, and openly Christian John Shore - is to give LGBT-affirming Christians the opportunity to share with the world and young gay people their belief that there is nothing anti-biblical or inherently sinful about being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

"We are playing a symphony inspired by Christ's Great Commandment that all of his followers love our neighbors as we love ourselves," Shore explained. "If you're an LGBT-affirming Christian, there is a seat waiting for you in the orchestra of The NALT Christians Project."

"The NALT Christians Project aims to inspire Christian LGBT allies to move their support from the shadows into the public square," added Besen. "Through their NALT videos, Christians will put their values into action, and lead the clarion, Bible-based call for freedom and justice for all people."

Several religious groups have already signed on, including the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Auburn Theological Seminary, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, The Evangelical Network, and Methodists in New Directions.

"This project is designed to reach people like myself when I was sixteen and growing up in a conservative religious community," said Evan Hurst, Truth Wins Out associate director. "I wish I had known about the millions of loving Christians who take Jesus' teachings seriously, and if this project can help keep LGBT youth from the spiritual turmoil of being convinced they are hell-bound simply for being who they are, then we've done our jobs."