Of God and gay rights

Conversation about religion dominated much of Saturday's gay pride celebration. But the big question of the day seemed to be: Whose point of view was the right one?

And whose God?

That of the 150 or so evangelical Christians who marched along the Pride Parade route to protest what they claim is a sinful lifestyle?

That of the participants in the 20th annual Pride Parade?

Or that of the various religious groups that showed up in counter-protest of the evangelicals' outcry, proposing tolerance instead?

In a repeat of last year's event, the evangelicals were raucous. They blew noisemakers and carried signs that left no doubt as to what they believe is the nature of sin.

An equally vocal but more liberal and diverse group of the region's religious communities came to challenge the evangelicals' message with words of love and acceptance.

The colorful parade, marked by decorative rainbow flags lifted by the breeze, began at Capitol Park, winding its way through downtown to the celebration spot, Southside Park.

By late morning, hundreds had gathered to sample food, listen to music and collect fliers and information from scores of vendors and nonprofits.

Members of A Church for All talked to passers-by about their congregation's inclusiveness -- acceptance of all regardless of race, class or sexual orientation -- and worship services.

"We believe God is a diverse God. He can meet all of us," said congregation member Christine Campbell of North Highlands. "When Jesus said, 'Whosoever believes in me shall have eternal life,' he wasn't making any distinctions."

Campbell said churches should welcome all types of people in an atmosphere of inclusiveness.

"If it's so important for gays and lesbians to hear and honor the word of God," posed Campbell, "if you want them to hear that message, why keep them out of church? Why segregate?"

The church's minister, Doretha Flournoy, described her congregation as radically inclusive. And she noted that the inclusive Metropolitan Community Church, which opens its doors to all manner of people, is one of the fastest growing in the country.

"There's obviously some synergy happening," Flournoy said.

David Bukhantsov, 18, doesn't doubt that God loves gay people. Bukhantsov says he loves them, too.

He and fellow members of Bethany Slavic Church -- the remnants of the more robust protest group earlier that day -- stood in the afternoon shadow cast by Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Roman Catholic church facing Southside Park.

But Bukhantsov doesn't agree with the lifestyle.

Daniel Velici, 35, wore a T-shirt that quoted Scripture. It implied that those celebrating their day in the park would not inherit the kingdom of God.

"The movement ... of the community is now destroying this country, the family, moral values -- everything," Velici said.

Across the road and back in the park, Doug Kraft, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, gathered with members of his church. Their booth was just a bit down from those of SMUD and Planned Parenthood.

Kraft said he believes that worries about the end of the world and the ruin of the country are mere superstitions.

"With interracial marriage a half century ago -- people thought it would be the end of the world, too," said Kraft, who was ordained in 1974. "People are afraid of homosexuality, (but those) who believe in a loving God will not be interested in something so trivial as sexual orientation. Compassion, character, integrity, commitment -- these are things people should be measured by."

Newly committed life partners Ellie Charlton, 72, and Beverly Reddick, 67, strolled past a vendor selling baby T-shirts with pro-diversity slogans.

The two met at a United Methodist spiritual retreat.

"We have a totally different experience and understanding of God," said Reddick, in reference to those protesting the event.

"Jesus was inclusive of everybody," said Charlton.

At another booth, Jeffrey Graves was wearing a priest's Roman Catholic collar.

Ordained a Jesuit, he now belongs to the breakaway Independent Catholic Church of the West and ministers at Sacramento's Good Shepherd, an inclusive parish.

"We're all created in God's image," said Graves, who lives in Citrus Heights. "Not all Christians believe as the protesters do."

Majorie Katz, a member of Sacramento's Congregation B'Nai Israel, warned against the protesters' literal interpretation of Scripture.

"Are the protesters eating shellfish and pork?" asked Rachel Resnick, also a member of the synagogue. "Scripture says you should be stoned for this. Are they wearing clothing made from two different fibers? That, too."

Their congregation marched in support of the event.

As they passed the protest, Resnick recounted, the protesters chanted, "We love you!"

"We chanted back, 'We love you, too.' "

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• * * * The Bee's Melissa Nix can be reached at (916) 478-2653 or mnix@sacbee.com.