HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-25 Public Comment - R. Larson - A letter in support of making the pride flag an official flag of BozemanFrom:Rowan Larson
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]A letter in support of making the pride flag an official flag of Bozeman
Date:Monday, July 14, 2025 1:10:56 PM
Attachments:2025.07.10 Pride Flag Faith Leader Letter.pdf
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Dear members of the City Commission,
Please find attached a letter from faith leaders of the Gallatin Valley in strong support ofmaking the pride flag an official flag of Bozeman. We are speaking on our own behalf as
individuals, however, we've added our affiliations for context.
Thank you for adding this important issue back to the agenda for the meeting tomorrow.
Peace,Rev. Rowan
--
The Rev. Rowan Larson (they/them)
Rector, St. James Bozeman
Schedule a meeting: calendly.com/rowanlarson
(406) 586-9093 | stjamesbozeman.org
Pastoral emergency line: (406) 586-9451
My work week is Sunday to Thursday
July 14, 2025
To the Bozeman City Commision,
This letter is a message from the undersigned leaders of some of Bozeman’s faith
communities speaking on our own behalf as individuals. The teachings of love, justice, and
compassion are at the core of our traditions. We have unwavering support for LGBTQ+
people and for the rainbow pride flag and what it represents. This symbol of pride,
diversity, and equality serves as a reminder of the inherent worth and dignity of all people,
including those within our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.
The LGBTQ+ community often faces marginalization and discrimination, especially within
faith spaces. This is a historic injustice that we seek to right. The flag's presence on our
buildings, our websites, and in our communications acts as a powerful message of
solidarity, acceptance, and support for those who have experienced pain and rejection. It
stands against the misuse of religion to condemn or judge anyone as “the other” and instead
emphasizes the importance of welcoming and celebrating the diversity of all God's children.
Our Christian and Jewish traditions hold loving your neighbor and actively working for
justice as core tenets of our theology. We ask that you let the pride flag fly again in Bozeman
and serve as a reminder that all people are welcome and belong in our community. We pray
that you and all of the citizens of Bozeman will continue to advocate for a society that
upholds the rights and dignity of all.
By including the pride flag as an official city flag, Bozeman will reaffirm a commitment to
create spaces of belonging. We, the undersigned, see the return of the pride flag on our
city’s buildings as a demonstration of the transformative power of love in action.
With Hope and Love,
The Rev. Rowan J. Larson; St. James Parish, Rector
The Rev. D Gregory Smith, STL, LCPC; St James Parish, Priest Associate
The Rev. Zach Bechtold; Bozeman United Methodist Church, Lead Pastor
Rabbi Sonja Keren Pilz, PhD; Congregation Beth Shalom
The Rev. Laura Folkwein, MSW; Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, Pastor
The Rev. Duffy Peet, MSW; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman, Minister
The Rev. Ashley Birk; First Presbyterian Church, Interim Pastor
The Rev. Katie Michael; Bozeman Health, Chaplain