June 27, 2025

Dear Deacons, Pastors, and Congregational Members of the Pacifica Synod,

We have been eagerly anticipating San Diego Pride 2025 on July 19th. You may be aware that this year, there has been some controversy surrounding the Pride Festival and Parade. There are two sources of concern: the headline for the festival, Kehlani, who has made strongly pro-Palestinian statements that raised safety concerns among our Jewish neighbors; and the unusual level of disorganization with San Diego Pride.

As a result, some organizations are choosing not to participate in this year’s Pride celebration. Others have decided to march in the parade but not attend the festival.

Members of San Diego Lutherans for Love, including rostered leaders, lay leaders, congregational representatives, and Bishop Dave, met to prayerfully and thoughtfully discern whether to participate in this year’s San Diego Pride parade.

With concern for our Jewish neighbors, our Palestinian neighbors, and our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, we have determined that we will march in the parade but will not participate in the festival. We join Mayor Todd Gloria and several other groups in this decision.

As people of faith, we simultaneously stand in solidarity with:

• our Jewish neighbors in this time when antisemitism is on the rise in this nation;
• the Palestinian people who are deeply suffering in the current conflict, especially those in Gaza; and
• the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly our trans siblings who are being targeted in these challenging times.

 

After prayerful discussion and discernment, we have decided to march. We are not marching because everything about the event is perfect; it is not. But we believe that faithful presence matters. And we believe that queer and trans people–who have so often been hurt by the church–need to see people of faith showing up in love and humility.

We pledge our continued support for our Jewish, Palestinian, and LGBTQIA+ neighbors and for those in need of healing and hope.

SD Lutherans for Love