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Chris Pratt Says Church Isn't Anti-LGBTQ in Response to Ellen Page

Chris Pratt

The Lego Movie 2 actor wrote an Instagram post in defense of Hillsong.

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Chris Pratt claims his church is not anti-LGBTQ.

The Lego Movie 2 actor posted a lengthy defense Monday on Instagram, after the lesbian actress Ellen Page drew attention to his affiliation with Hillsong Church on social media.

"Oh. K. Um. But his church is infamously anti lgbtq so maybe address that too?" Page tweeted Thursday, after Pratt appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to discuss fasting and his faith.

Hillsong's pastor, Brian Houston -- Hillsong is a global megachurch -- released a controversial statement in 2015. In it, Houston called gay love a sin and came out against marriage equality. He also refused to "affirm all lifestyles" or welcome queer people in leadership positions -- although he did say they could attend the church as worshippers.

"I do believe God's word is clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. The writings of the apostle Paul in scripture on the subject of homosexuality are also clear, as I have mentioned in previous public statements," Houston wrote.

However, in terms of Hillsong being anti-LGBTQ, "nothing could be further from the truth," Pratt declared in a Story posted to Instagram.

"It has recently been suggested that I belong to a church which 'hates a certain group of people' and is 'infamously anti-LGBTQ.' Nothing could be further from the truth," Pratt stated. "I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone. Despite what the Bible says about divorce, my church community was there for me every stop of the way, never judging, just gracefully accompanying me on my walk. They helped me tremendously offering love and support. It is what I have seen them do for others on countless occasions regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender."

"My faith is important to me but no church defines me or my life, and I am not a spokesman for any church or group of people," he continued. "My values define who I am. We need less hate in this world, not more. I am a man who believes that everyone is entitled to love who they want free from the judgment of their fellow man."

Pratt then referenced a Bible verse, John 13:34: "Jesus said 'I give you a new command, love one another.' This is what guides me in my life. He is a God of Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. Hate has no place in my or this world."

Page doubled down on her decision to call out Pratt for his affiliation with an anti-LGBTQ religious group Saturday on social media. "If you are a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don't be surprised if someone simply wonders why it's not addressed. Being anti LGBTQ is wrong, there aren't two sides. The damage it causes is severe," she wrote.

"If lgbtq+ people are expressing their pain, their trauma, their experiences...maybe just try and listen? Open your heart, stop being defensive and have compassion. It's a beautiful and life changing feeling, empathy," Page added later that day.

Read Pratt's remarks below.

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Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.