“I’m sorry for how we fought and killed Muslims, Jews, and gypsies in an attempt to take over Israel during the crusades. I’m sorry we cared more about being right than about being loving. I’m sorry for the hate crimes Christians have committed against homosexuals. I’m sorry for how Christians had advocated slavery in the past, justifying it by saying that it was presented during the time of Moses. Just because it’s part of the social institution does not make it right. I’m sorry for the sexual abuse that had happened in the church. I’m sorry we are sometimes judgmental and live as hypocrites. I’m sorry for the times I haven’t taken to care for you and others and chose to be completely self-absorbed. I’m sorry for the times I’ve misrepresented Jesus.”
The Jewish woman from the group came up to me and gave me a hug. The group thanked me. Group after group, individual after individual, I only received thanks and positive words for the next hour or two. One woman told me that she was a lesbian and that she’s thankful that even if I don’t agree with her lifestyle that I can choose to love her rather than judge her. Another woman told me that she’s thankful that there were Christians that were different because all she’s experienced in the church was ostracism and condemnation. I got a chance to bring hope and comfort to a high school kid who told me “I hope that tomorrow will be a better day.” I told him “I’m sorry that yesterday and the days before haven’t been how you’ve wanted it to be, but tomorrow is a gift from God that can be better.” Another man told me that he wanted an apology for all the things he’s wanted to say, but didn’t say and for all the things he should’ve done that he didn’t do.
