Religion vs. Inclusion
Can we have both? If not, which must give way?
“Are you here to spread more hate today, Pastor Collins?”
The voice, sharp and bitter, cut through the warm Sunday air as Reverend Tamara Collins stepped out of her car in the gravel parking lot. The towering white steeple of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church stood in the background — her refuge, her calling, and her burden. This was the place where she had conducted weddings, comforted grieving families, and helped feed the hungry. It was where she preached the Word, unfiltered, and built a community of faith.
Yet, as she made her way toward the sanctuary, today it felt like anything but a sanctuary. Waiting for her by the front steps was Skyler Lewis, their pink hair catching the sunlight. A group of Skyler’s friends, draped in rainbow flags and holding signs, stood close by. Their faces bore the same intensity — anger mixed with hurt.
Collins had met with Skyler a couple of times before — once at their church’s food bank a few weeks ago and once last week when Skyler was visibly upset after the sermon. She brushed a hand over her braided hair, her dark eyes locking onto Skyler’s, as the tension between them grew.
“God loves everyone,” Collins replied calmly, her heartbeat quickening but her voice steady. “That includes…
