Church calls attention to its support of gays

A small Toledo church is taking a big step toward sparking public debate with a billboard campaign that proclaims, “Being Gay is a Gift from God.”

“We’re expecting a vigorous conversation in this community in many forms,” said Dan Rutt, a member of Central United Methodist’s lead team.

The digital billboard at Monroe Street and Central Avenue, in Toledo’s Colony area, began displaying the slogan early Monday, and Central’s congregation — which averages “a couple dozen people” on Sunday mornings, Mr. Rutt said — has made a one-month commitment at a cost of $1,500. The billboard campaign will continue as long as funds are available, he said.

The Rev. Bill Barnard, Central’s part-time pastor, said the billboard message will be linked to a four-week sermon series, and the overall campaign goal is “to make a leap beyond tolerance.”

“Members of the congregation have experienced places and times where being lesbian or gay was tolerated — kind of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell, I know God forgives you,’” Barnard said. “We’re saying, ‘This is the way God created you. There’s nothing to forgive.’ “

Both Mr. Rutt and Mr. Barnard, who described themselves as “straight allies” of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, pointed out that Central has had a long history of supporting gay rights. The church joined the denomination’s Reconciling Ministries Network, a national grass-roots organization of congregations supportive of LGBT rights, in 1984.

Central’s members realize their campaign takes a provocative stance on a hot-button issue in the church.