Band of Christians Says Sorry to LGBTs

Regretfully, religion has often been used to put down the LGBT – I would prefer to refer to them as SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) – community. 

But at a gay pride parade this past weekend in Marikina, a city just east of the Phillipines' capital of Manila, a band of Christians gathered to say something different: I'm sorry. 

Members of the Church of Freedom in Christ Ministries stood at the main entrance of the parade holding signs that offered apologies for how the LGBT community has been treated by Christians. 

Their banners read, "We're here to apologize for the ways that we as Christians have harmed the LGBT community". 

The demonstration was part of the church's "I'm Sorry" campaign, through which members seek to apologize on behalf of their fellow Christians for the way biblical writings have been used against the LGBT community.

At least, now, we have enlightened Christians. 

In fact, a CNN report published June 27, 2016 had quoted Pope Francis (right) as saying that Christians owe apologies to gays and others who have been offended or exploited by the church – remarks that some Catholics hailed as a breakthrough in the church's tone toward homosexuality. 

He had declared: "The Church must ask forgiveness for not behaving many times – when I say the Church, I mean Christians! The Church is holy, we are sinners!" 

The pontiff is correct of course. First, because forgiveness is a fundamental part of Christianity. And second, because no party feels more marginalized in the church today than LGBT people". 

And he asked a pertinent question: Who are we to judge?

Angeli Choo, the owner of the Eng Ong Heong trading shop in Penang, with the paper offering of tropical fruits, including the Musang King durian. 

Now, our dearly departed ones can ‘enjoy’ the king of fruits! 

One of the latest paper offerings for the Qing Ming festival (Chinese All Souls Day or Tomb-Sweeping Day) this year is a tray of tropical fruits that include the Musang King durians, rambutans, mangosteens and guavas. 

Other popular items this year are backpacks, Baba Nyonya traditional costumes and skincare kits. 

Qing Ming is a tradition that has been observed for more than 2,500 years where families gather to pay respect and homage to their departed loved ones at the cemetery. 

The festival is observed 10 days before or 10 days after the actual day which falls on April 05 this year.