In an Instagram story, Pratt boldly defended the accusations that he attends a church that is hateful toward the LGBTQ community:
“It has recently been suggested that I belong to a church which hates a certain group of people and is ‘infamously anti-LGBTQ.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.
Despite what the Bible says about my divorce, my church community was there for me every step of the way, never judging, just gracefully accompanying me on my walk. They helped me tremendously offering their love and support. It is what I have seen them do for others on countless occasions regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender.
My faith is important to me but no church defines me or my life, and I am not a spokesman for any church or any group of people. My values define who I am. We need less hate in this world, not more. I am a man who believes that everyone is entitled to love who they want free from the judgment of their fellow man.”
The actor continued with a well-known statement made by Jesus in Matthew 13:34: “I give you a new command, love one another.”
“He is a God of Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness,” he wrote in closing. “Hate has no place in my or this world.”
While Pratt’s statement may not be biblically perfect on all points, the larger picture he paints is a much fairer representation of what the Church at large is called to do instead of judging and shaming: love the sinner, and hate the sin.
Kudos to him for taking the high road by refusing to lash back and choosing to speak in love.