Watch Stained Glass Rainbows

Stained Glass Rainbows is a thought-provoking documentary film directed by Wade A. and produced by Craig H. It revolves around the complex relationship between the Christian Church and the LGBTQ+ community. The film starts with a montage of news clips covering significant events related to the LGBTQ+ community, such as the announcement of the Supreme Court's decision on the legalization of same-sex marriage. It sets the tone for the rest of the documentary- to look at the impact of the Church's stance on the LGBTQ+ community.

The documentary opens at the Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, where LGBT leaders and advocates discuss the recent schism within the United Methodist Church over the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. In the discussion, you can identify the voices of different advocates, such as Sean Doty, who speaks about his experience of being gay and a Christian.

In the next scene, the film takes you back in time to the infamous Westboro Baptist Church protests where they demonstrate with signs like "God Hates Fags" at funerals and other events. The film serves as a stark reminder of how the Church has historically condemned and ostracized the LGBTQ+ community.

The film features interviews with prominent members of the Church, who offer their perspectives on the Church's teachings and laws, including Reverend Ric Alba, a former member of the United Methodist Church. He tells his story of discovering his own sexual orientation and how that led him to leave the Church. It is a heart-wrenching account that highlights the complexities of religion and sexuality.

Jonathan Ervin, also a Christian and former pastor, provides a more conservative perspective. He expresses his beliefs about homosexuality and the Church's role. However, in a moment of vulnerability, he admits to having struggled with his own sexuality and how his faith played a role in that.

The director presents different perspectives on the matter, including the comments of the conservative radio talk show host, Janet Mefferd. She provides a vivid account of the conservative Christian viewpoint and contends that the Bible defines marriage as one man and woman.

The film also features a range of personal anecdotes of LGBTQ+ people, who discuss being rejected by their respective churches and families. In one of the stories, a gay man shares his experience of being told by his parents to choose between his faith and being gay. The film is an emotional journey that will potentially trigger a range of emotions for its viewers.

As the documentary progresses, it makes a compelling argument about the need for the Church to become more accepting and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. The film expresses the idea that the Church should serve as a welcoming place for people of all identities and orientations, regardless of differences between beliefs.

Towards the end of the documentary, the filmmakers profile the work of various organizations that try to bridge the gap between the Church and the LGBTQ+ community. One organization is the Texas-based interfaith group, Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square. The group focuses on fostering understanding and acceptance by bringing together diverse religious communities.

The film ends with a powerful message of love, unity, and reconciliation. It is a message that transcends across faiths and has practical applications to make the world a more accepting and loving place.

Stained Glass Rainbows is an excellent documentary that educates viewers on the complexities of the relationship between the Christian Church and the LGBTQ+ community. The film doesn't take a side, but rather presents different perspectives that attempt to help organizations and individuals come to a compassionate and caring understanding. It is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the need for acceptance in our communities.

Stained Glass Rainbows is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.