Christians Boycott A Starbucks Boycott In Same-Sex Marriage Fight

“Christian? Don’t Boycott Starbucks, Thank Them!”

Last week, Starbucks joined more than 100 large and small businesses in welcoming LGBT marriages in the state of Washington. Almost instantly after the announcement, a group of individuals led by USA Christian Ministries organized a boycott under the false premise that all “Christians are upset with Starbucks for turning against God.”

In reality, a majority of religious groups are supportive of the LGBT community and their freedom to marry. Public Religion Research Institute recently released a study showing these trends, which continue to rise as more and more religious communities change their minds towards welcome.

READ: Majority Of Catholics Support Same-Sex Marriage, Same-Sex Sex Not A Sin

Believe Out Loud has called on Christian and LGBT allies to show their support and thank Starbucks and other businesses that stand up for LGBT marriages. In just a few hours, over 400 signatures were collected and many people have left their own personal thanks on the Believe Out Loud blog for this decision:

“On behalf of this Christian, thank you for making me feel less guilty for my $3 per day habit. Seriously, I get so tired of the presumptuous declarations of some who profess to know the hearts and minds of all “Christians” and the mind of God.”

“As one of God’s most recalcitrant children, I thank you for standing up for what is right and good.  Standing for equality for all human beings is right and good.  I haven’t drank coffee in at least one decade.  I may have to stop by and sample one of your unique blends.”

“I am so thankful to you for respecting and supporting the LGBT community. I am straight and most companies support us, it’s time for EQUALITY in this world and you are stepping forward to do it! BRAVO!!!”

“This Christian is thanking you for your stand. The Christians that are boycotting Starbucks must have the edited version of the Holy Bible that omits all of the teachings of Jesus.”

“As a Christian heterosexual married woman, I would like to thank you for the support of homosexual marriages. I found the love of my life, and I believe that everyone should be allowed to marry that person when they find them! I believe that the Bible and Christianity has been misused to spread hate and fear, and while some Christians are surely upset with your decision, many of us are very happy about it!”

While we recognize there are real differences of opinion across the Christian community, we believe that as many continue their journey exploring the meaning behind scripture, that they too have the potential to change their minds towards welcome. Show your support, and send a big “thank-you” to Starbucks by signing our virtual thank you card. We will deliver it to Starbucks headquarters next month.

Joseph Ward is the Director of Believe Out Loud, an online network that empowers Christians to work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, and a writer on religion and LGBT equality issues. Follow him on Twitter @JosephWardIII.