Belief: heaven open to all

Rev. Sarah Halverson of Fairview Community Church remembers the first time she heard the sermon about condemnation. She was at a youth group in the Newport-Mesa area that Halverson prefers to remain nameless, and she was stunned by its message.

“I was a Christian, but I didn’t feel comfortable there,” she said.

Halverson went to her regular church pastor the following day. He sat her down on the steps of the stair, joined her there and discussed the Bible’s message.

“Do you believe a loving God would condemn all those people?” he asked her.

“No,” she replied.

“Neither do I,” he said.

It is that type of message that has stuck with Halverson throughout her life, which may be the reason why she leads a church that recently voted to be an open, welcoming and affirming church for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. To view the church’s statements, click here.

“There is no second class citizens in the United States,” Halverson said. “And there is definitely no second class citizens in the kingdom of God.”

Halverson’s church does not interpret the Bible literally and is known for being progressive. The congregation is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the United Church of Christ. She understands this stance may draw some ridicule from others who interpret the Bible more literally, but in the wake of the alleged hate crime in Oxnard where a boy was slain by a classmate, the church decided it would be a good time to “come out of the closet.”

“The church making a statement is more than me,” said Halverson who emphasized the decision was not pastor-driven.

“If we don’t begin to recognize that everyone is a child of God, this will keep happening.”

The church, which fluctuates in size at about 75, voted on whether or not to be openly welcoming to LGBT persons. In a secret ballot, only a small few voted against, with more than 85% of parishioners in favor. In the months prior to the vote, the church brought in speakers and presented films about the issue.

Some church members may leave in response to the vote, Halverson acknowledges, which she said would be heartbreaking, but she believes those who are often ostracized by society need a spiritual home where they can feel safe.

“For us, we really believe we are following Jesus’ call,” she said. “What we really expect is for people to come.”

When Halverson was young one of her youth group leaders was gay, and she felt the church’s acceptance of him set a good moral example for the community. He would later die of AIDS, which affected Halverson. It’s those early relationships that prompted Halverson to lead a life advocating equality, while creating an open and safe environment for all people.

“For me it wasn’t a spiritual crisis,” she said. “Where I grew up they were already in the church.”

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.