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Since early January, The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Norfolk, Virginia, has welcomed a dodgeball league of over 250 LGBTQ athletes, run by Stonewall Sports.
Kroc Senior Officer Lt. Nathan Bridges and several Kroc Center staff members make up one of the 14 teams in the league.
Upon finalizing the partnership, Bridges wrote this in a statement to Stonewall:
“It is our goal to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors is welcomed, accepted, and loved. We firmly hold to The Salvation Army core values and policy of non-discrimination in all of our programs and services. Motivated by the love of God we serve and meet human needs without discrimination, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Salvation Army as an organization is comprised of officers, employees, members, volunteers, and donors, many of whom are a part of the LGBTQ community. We are honored and proud that they are part of our cherished family. We are aware that in the past some within The Salvation Army have not always represented us well in this regard. While we cannot speak to isolated past instances, we can assure you that we at the Kroc Center take seriously our commitment to be a community of love that has no place for discrimination.” (Read the full statement.)
The partnership has made it possible for bridges to be built between The Salvation Army and the LGBTQ community.
To date, three athletes have even become full-time members at the Kroc Center.
Later in the year, Stonewall Sports plans to launch a new volleyball league hosted by the Kroc Center, making the facility their year-round sports hub.
From Salvation Army Today
Praising God that we are still DOING THE MOST GOOD! That statement encompasses every aspect of what God teaches us, especially to to love one another as we love ourselves!!! We love the sinner, not the sin! Only God has the right to judge!
“We love the sinner, not the sin!” — sounds like judgment to me.
Praising God that we are still DOING THE MOST GOOD! That statement encompasses every aspect of what God teaches us, especially to to love one another as we love ourselves!!! We love the sinner, not the sin! Only God has the right to judge!
“We love the sinner, not the sin!” — sounds like judgment to me.