Hillsong Responds to ‘Anti-LGBTQ’ Accusations After Chris Pratt Controversy

After Chris Pratt appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last week, a Twitterstorm erupted over a tweet posted by actress Ellen Page.

On the show, Pratt discussed the impact his church has had on his life and his choice to do the “Daniel Fast.”

“Oh. K. Um. But his church is infamously lgbtq so maybe address that too?” wrote Page.

Oh. K. Um. But his church is infamously anti lgbtq so maybe address that too? https://t.co/meg8m69FeF

— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) February 8, 2019

“If you are a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don’t be surprised if someone simply wonders why it’s not addressed,” she added.

While the “Jurassic World” star currently attends Zoe Church in L.A., various media outlets claimed that he’s affiliated with Hillsong.

Pratt responded to the backlash resulting from the tweet in an Instagram story:

“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.”

Hillsong Church has since released [its] own public statement, refuting the claims that they are “anti-LGBTQ”:

“Hillsong Church does not preach against anyone or any group; we are not ‘anti-anyone’. We are an inclusive Christian church that loves, values and welcomes all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, beliefs, values, or personal identity.

We are also a church that adheres to mainstream biblical values shared by the overwhelming majority of evangelical Christian churches around the world, and millions of Christians across the USA. Believing the teachings of the Bible and loving all people – including those who have different perspectives – are not mutually exclusive. In fact this is the very definition of tolerance and inclusiveness…

At Hillsong we want to be known by who we are for. We are for people finding hope in Jesus, we are for people finding love and acceptance, and we are for helping people in any way we can.”

They added that they are against “gay conversion therapy,” as their primary focus is to point people to Jesus,  “the way, the truth, and the life”.

Read Hillsong’s full statement on their website.