In an Instagram post on February 11, Chris Pratt refuted Ellen Page’s recent claims that Hillsong, his church and that of many other Hollywood types, is “infamously anti-LGBTQ.”
In his caption, he gave high praises to Hillsong. Trouble is, we’re just not buying them.
Related: Ellen Page isn’t finished yet, slams Chris Pratt over antigay church in yet another tweet
“It has recently been suggested that I belong to a church which ‘hates a certain group of people’ and is ‘infamously anti-LGBTQ,’” the Jurassic World star wrote. “Nothing could be further from the truth. I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.”
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Ahem. We daresay a great many things could be “further from the truth” than Page’s assertion.
Take Hillsong pastor Brian Houston’s 2015 blog post titled “Do I Love Gay People?” — for which the answer seems to be, “Yes, as long as we don’t talk about the gay stuff.”
In the post, Houston writes:
“Hillsong Church welcomes ALL people but does not affirm all lifestyles. Put clearly, we do not affirm a gay lifestyle and because of this we do not knowingly have actively gay people in positions of leadership, either paid or unpaid.”
The pastor prattles on for another 500 or so words, but for our money, those two sentences say it all. For starters, Hillsong views homosexuality as a “lifestyle” instead of a sexual orientation and an identity — suggesting that same-sex attraction is as much a conscious decision as, say, a swinger lifestyle. (No judgment for all you swingers out there.)
Clearly, Houston didn’t consult the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, which lists “lifestyle” as an offensive term in respect to queer identities. “There is no single lesbian, gay or bisexual lifestyle,” GLAAD explains. “Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are diverse in the ways they lead their lives. The phrase ‘gay lifestyle’ is used to denigrate lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals suggesting that their orientation is a choice and therefore can and should be ‘cured.’”
Related: Young gay man kicked out of church for ‘embracing the homosexual lifestyle’
Even more distressing is Houston’s straight-up declaration that “actively gay people” cannot hold leadership positions at Hillsong Church. How is that not anti-gay, Chris Pratt? Sure, Hillsong might “open its doors” to gay and bi people, but not all doors, it seems.
And again, Houston’s terminology leaves much to be desisted. “Actively gay people”? So, what, someone could rise in the Hillsong ranks if they’re passively gay? Any Hillsong member who’s anything other than a hard zero on the Kinsey scale has to sublimate their same-sex desires to have the same professional opportunities as anyone else?
Sorry, Chris Pratt, we’re with Ellen Page on this one. We’ll support churches that are celebratory of queerness — not just tolerant-ish.
Scout
Queerty, you’ve held my posting back for moderation. Can you tell me why? There’s no point posting comments if one doesn’t understand why something is acceptable or not.
iamru2
Probably didn’t fit in with their agenda!
KerryB
Religion is nothing more than a highly contagious form of MENTAL ILLNESS!
laurent7465
Religion is also a Lifestyle…that is a choice, which can and should be cured.
msfrost
Being LGBT and straight is a congenital condition. (developed before birth) Science is finding more evidence for it, every day.
If so, then being straight, is also a “lifestyle.”
batesmotel
Then why don’t you have the same to say about Muslims?
Xzamilloh
What the hell are people expecting here? For religion, a system of belief rooted in archaic moral standards that have persisted through recorded history to the detriment of civilized society? This is nothing more than a modern coat on an old painting, and it’s stupid we’re entertaining this “Why is your church anti-gay?” nonsense
You know why the church is anti-gay… because Christianity to its core is anti-gay, and reinterpreting bible scriptures to help you rationalize your holding on to a religion that curses your existence won’t change that. Don’ t @ me. Or do, I don’ t care.
theWorldyouMade
This is the best explanation I think I’ve ever read on the subject. The church structure itself pretty much a set of rules on what to do and how to act that everyone should clearly follow, there rarely are exceptions. It makes no sense in trying to advocate for changing the very core foundation of the ancient church structure that has been the same for countless generations. If you want a different type of church with different believes that’s probably easier to do than changing old ways…
Ronbo
“the church”? There are many churches and many churches do follow Christ and embrace all of God’s creatures. It’s an easy way to distinguish Christians from bigots.
TomG
I don’t understand Christians at all, since as far as I know they are supposed to subscribe to the new Testament, and in it Jesus says NOTHING about homosexuality in any way, shape, or form. Yet Christians continuously cite the Old Testament for their reasoning, yet disparage the Jewish people simply because they haven’t “seen the light”. I call them hypocrites.
subLime
Hear, hear.
iamru2
Wow someone has a weird obsession/ vendetta against this poor guy. Go after the church but leave the actor alone already.
Tony1129
The actor probably should have kept his mouth shut and we would be dogging someone else out instead.
batesmotel
It’s because he’s famous and this is the age of celebrity persecution. Extremists expect celebrities to model perfect people, which is modeling what they think perfect people are. The one tiny detail they forget is that celebrities are some of the most imperfect people on the planet. They are overpaid artists that they treat like royalty, then are shocked when they reveal their imperfections. And Chris Pratt can go to any Church he wants to. He’s not the spokesperson role model for gays.
Franklin
@batesmotel. What I expect is public figures to not be bigots, and if they choose to be that way, then I choose not to support them.
QueerTruth
The actor should shut up about it then. If you post on a public forum the joys of your church- then you open yourself to criticism when the joys are held from queer people
Rock-N-RollHS
Yeah, they should be held accountable: let him just come out and say, I don’t approve of the “sin” but love the “sinner” crap. He and everyone in the church needs to reckon with that.
What I would love: for him to say, my religious beliefs are important to me but I don’t agree with their position on homosexuality. Plenty of Christians do take that stand. But Evangelicals are a cult and don’t question the “Word.”
Finally, Queerty, I accept homosexuality as an orientation (because that’s what it is) but it is not, nor ever has been, an identity. Tired of this identity crap already.
msfrost
Only, Transgender, is about Gender Identity.
TomG
MOST Christians are that in NAME ONLY, and NOT practice. That’s quite obvious.
jsmu
+Rock-N-RollHS First, dude, no one gives a shit what *you* do or do not ‘accept.’ ‘Homosexuality’ (boy, you’re just full of the hate words from reactionaries–been in a closet the last thirty years or so, have you?) is not an ‘orientation’ any more than skin color, hair color, eye color, size, gender, or being a moronic breeder (your own particular problem, Bozo. lol) Your ugly little slur at the word ‘identity’ makes crystal clear your MAGAt orientation, little troll. LGBTs , just like blacks and women, had two choices; to continue getting raped, beaten, and killed, or to EMBRACE THEIR OWN IDENTITY AND PROCLAIM/CELEBRATE it. We all chose the latter, *sshole. EAT IT. DEAL WITH IT, TROLL!
Ashke113
Enough of this crap already, Queerty what exactly are you hoping to accomplish here. Obviously you and bitter Ellen Page are not going to change Chris Pratt’s mind on where he goes to church and frankly just because he’s a celebrity shouldn’t matter where he goes for his faith or if he supports our community or not. Being a celebrity doesn’t an automatic supporter of everything gay make, nor should it be expected. Leave the man alone already and try reporting on something of more significance to our fight. One man going to a certain church does not a fight make nor does it a difference make either you and Ellen should pick your battles better.
Franklin
Ellen Page bitter? Hardly. I’m glad someone is speaking up. As another commenter said, too many people take these newly acquired rights we have for granted. It could all be taken away if we get complacent.
QueerTruth
What is your point?
I see none.
jcoberkrom
Could Bieiber’s depression but due to his orientation and his membership in the “church”?
Mack
I think his depression is he was forced to marry the wrong girl.
Littlebum2002
“In his caption, he gave high praises to Hillsong. ”
No he didn’t, he gave high praise to Zoe, his church. I totally agree with speaking up against organized religion but get your facts straight first. Chris Pratt isn’t a member of Hillsong Church.
PinkoOfTheGange
I asked about that once and my comment got zapped.
PinkoOfTheGange
Zoe’s Pastor Veach doesn’t have the best back story either. (gays are “sexually broken” 2017)
Their mission statement is strangely silent on GLBT issues and if they still have ties to Hillsong is unclear.
It would be nice if they took this opportunity to clear the air, but their truth could cost them both figuratively and literally.
Trekbike
I’m nearly 60 years old. I admire Ellen Page immensely for using her celebrity to speak out against homophobia. At least she’s trying to make a difference for the gay community. What the hell are you doing to help the gay community??? I’m certain nothing. I’m tired of the younger gays who have it pretty damn good, sitting around complaining about the few gays who are trying to change things for the better. Us old gays fought like hell to improve our lives. Now we’re watching the majority of younger gays squander the advancements we made because they’re spoiled and lazy. The least you could do is stand with her.
Mack
As another old fart I agree with you. Too many of the young people take it for granted that the “rights” are there. Not one is there that can’t be reverse by a Judge’s ruling.
MacAdvisor
I have a very good friend named Jack. Jack is a smart, well-educated (Yale undergrad, U Penn JD) guy who is witty and fun to be with. I have known him for 40 years. He is simply wonderful. He is also a complete racist. He lives in Pennsylvania where, apparently, he never sees Black people. When he visits me in Sacramento, he is completely thrown off by all the Blacks and other minorities that all around me. I grew up in Sacramento and rather like having peoples of different backgrounds around. They are interesting and open restaurants with a wide variety of foods and tastes, for one thing. Anyway, Jack isn’t going to change, he is a racist, but he is also my friend. He helps me when I am blue, he brings joy to my life. Should I drop him because he is a racist?
Mr. Pratt seems to gather strength from his church. Yes, the church isn’t for all people and has some bad qualities, but — like my friend Jack does for me — it works for Mr. Pratt. I think his church is his business. Let’s attack the church and leave him alone.
Franklin
It must be nice to be able to compartmentalize your friends racism.
MacAdvisor
Truly, it is not. I find it very disturbing, but he is now in his sixties and I doubt he will change. I just avoid the topic when I can and call him on it when it shows up. If you have any suggestions of what to do, I am willing to listen.
Franklin
Just avoid the topic? Again, it must not be to disturbing for you to continue to associate with him. If he was a serial killer could you continue to be his friend and just avoid the topic of murder?
OzJosh
Those defending Hillsong or pleading for Chris Pratt to be left alone might want to spare a thought for the gay Hillsong brethren who have been referred to damaging conversion therapy (Hillsong claims to have stopped this, but they’ve admitted doing it in the past), or the gay churchgoers being constantly told that they’re sinful, or the gay church members discriminated against (which Houston openly admits doing).
Littlebum2002
But Chris Pratt isn’t a member of Hillsong Church. He’s a member of Zoe church.
Aires the Ram
If a person perceives themselves as being discriminated against, or treated otherwise badly, by their chosen Church, they need to remember that the Church doors swing both ways. If you’re gay or anything else your church is against, find a different church.
Gouly Julie Annie
I’m in my late fifties (72) and think that celebrities were much better off when their private lives were fabricated by the studios. We idolized most of them, and we all thought we were undiscovered stars. When the National Enquirer became the most influential news magazine in the late sixties, the sordid, sad and enlightening true stories of celebrities eliminated any chance of keeping secrets. Loretta Young’s secret love child by Clark Gable made me love her more, and Bing Crosby’s beating of his wife and sons turned me against him. He was supposed to be Christian and honorable!
I don’t boycott companies and people to make a political statement, I do it because I don’t like them anymore. Chris Pratt is undoubtedly used to being around gay people, so I don’t think it is reasonable for him to think that gays have chosen a bad “lifestyle” and can be “cured.” For that reason, I don’t want to see his future projects or know anything about what he’s up to. There are plenty of appealing stars that lead interesting lives and don’t discriminate.
Crystix
Amen
Donston
The “lifestyle” thing could be somewhat forgiven if this church didn’t have such a history. Some “queers” do view gay as a lifestyle. Some view it as something inherent no matter your lifestyle. Some see “gay” and “homosexual” as two different things. Some queers view gay/lesbian as a reflection of overall romantic, sexual, affection, relationship preferences and ambitions rather meaning homosexual. When folks talk about identity and orientation everyone is talking from a different perspectives. We make things convoluted for people, and then some get mad when someone doesn’t know exactly how to properly communicate. However, anyone who knows religion (particularly Christianity) knows that the majority of churches run on the idea of “we won’t bother you so long as you keep your business to yourself and maintain a shameful, DL outlook”. Many churches and the people who run them don’t care if you’re having sex with someone of your gender so long as you maintain a hetero public image, never embrace “gay” and don’t have out same-sex relationships.
I do admire Ellen Page for calling out hypocrisy and being willing to be stern and divisive. So much of what we get from “allies” and out celebrities is empty, self-inflating and almost entirely driven by narcissism or political correctness. But ultimately, I really don’t care about the church a few of celebrities go to. I don’t assume every famous person is “with us”, and Pratt never claimed to an “ally” nor has he ever really been someone who has aimed for a gay following. So, I don’t see any reason to stress this topic.
Crystix
Chris Pratt can shove his religious hypocrisy up his ignorant ass, just like John Travolta and Tom Cruise.
Stand against all bigotry. Period.
Just imagine if a church said they didn’t support a “black lifestyle”.
PinkoOfTheGange
LDS did that till the 70’s.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Religion is a “lifestyle” CHOICE. Being Gay is something one is BORN as with NO CHOICE.
Really no further discussion needed. Those celebrities who support this hatefilled smcubag “church” don’t deserve a single dollar more of Gay dollars in their movies or merchandise.
Brian
How many times are you going to run a variation of this same article?
PinkoOfTheGange
i think 8 so far
Franklin
Probably as many times as it takes for it to sink in that maybe we shouldn’t be giving our money and attention to people who support anti-gay churches.
gymmuscleboy
@Franklin There goes international trade then
CobraPowers
Sad to see that so many people in my community reject God and his love because they identify only and entirely with their sexual desires, as if there was nothing more to them than sexual desires. Then they make the club, alcohol, grindr and substances their “god” instead. It makes me very sad.
Donston
Well, perhaps some people just aren’t interested in Jesus. And perhaps some people are turned off by the rampant homophobia associated with religion. They didn’t reject the church. The church rejected them. But also, not every gay-identifying person sees their gay identities as merely about sex. I know my “gayness” is more about passion, love, affection, romantic fulfillment and family before it’s about sex.
shanfrina
… Oh, “Miss Pratt!?!” Thee Camera doesn’t Lie. You can “Come Out” now-&-Play. Not “Wishful Thinking” on my part either. “Hillsong’s” the latest, new Hollywood “Cult,” just like #fakereligion Scientology. Get real Hun!!! LOL!!!
chi eg
God, this site. You troll Kevin Hart daily because his apology wasn’t enough, yet let Chris Pratt off the hook whose defense is “I’m not homophobic, but my church is” AND still have the gall to drag Ellen Page for doing YOUR job a lot better than you do. At least you didn’t write that Ellen sounded shrill. Shaking my head at all the white male privilege…
gymmuscleboy
@chi eg How have they let Chris Pratt off the hook? Did you read the article? It literally concludes by siding against him.
jay604
Some gay men seduce priests, whether they are gay or not, knowing that they do not have an outlet for sex.
derek mcgillicuddy
When I’m accused of having a gay “lifestyle,” I reply, “I don’t have a ‘lifestyle;’ I have a life.”
gymmuscleboy
Queerty, the vast majority of the whole bloody world sees homosexuality as a “lifestyle” and we are shooting ourselves in the foot my making enemies out of perfectly decent people like Chris.
Life is not black and white. Get some perspective!
Franklin
So what? That still doesn’t mean it’s correct to see it that way. A lot of the world used to see Africans as subhuman. Does that mean we should have rolled over and accepted it?
gymmuscleboy
@Franklin So it means what I said: “we should not shoot ourselves in the foot by making enemies out of perfectly decent people”. Chris could be our ally. Instead we are making him feel like we want him to denounce his religion.
bill
He was just on The ELLEN Show last week. That Ellen seemed to like him. He knows she’s gay, she even spoke about Porsche. Of course she would know where he goes to church, maybe she can’t choose her guests, but she’s never had trump on. I don’t know why he’d choose to go on her show. Now I don’t like him and I won’t see his movies. I will complain to her one her email. She’ll
never see it, but I would hope Queerly has mentioned something to her,
PinkoOfTheGange
Missed the memo that Ellen doesn’t speak for the community, just herself?
Update contact info with the Recording Secretary to stay on the distribution list.
bill
Queerly, speed up on your postings, don’t chastise me a follower for going to fast!!!!
Jboo
Lol Chris Pratt is a multi-millionaire. You think he’s crying in bed at night because people don’t like his church? LOL. If you don’t agree with the church, don’t attend it, or don’t practice that particular piece of the religion. Easily done. Nobody cares if you agree or not.
Donston
This is pretty much where I’m at. Why should we care about the church Pratt attends and why? The dude is merely an actor. He’s never actively challenged lgbtq whatever, has never said anything homophobic yet he’s never shown himself to be any type of “ally” either. So, who gives a squat? Are they really trying to make us be mad at everybody who attends church?
I get where Page is coming from, and I admire that unlike most Hollywood people, she’s genuinely willing to put herself out there, and has no issue with losing jobs or Hollywood friends. But this really isn’t an issue worth hopping on the soapbox for.
bftlguy
When so-called Christians start with “the Bible says homosexuality is a sin” they shouldn’t be let off the hook for discrimination because of their “sincerely held religious beliefs.” The Bible was written over at least a 1500 year time period and was penned by at least 40 authors. Most of it was written in an ancient Hebrew dialect. In many many cases translators could only guess at what was said as they translated it to Modern Hebrew which was then translated into various other languages then given to priests and politicians to doctor to their needs, being primarily to control their subjects. So what does God say about homosexuality, an attraction to members of the same sex that He created?
Can you see the lunacy here people? When they quote Leviticus, a book that had historically been considered a code for rabbis to follow, they are quick to jump on “if a man lieth with a man blah blah blah” but in the ancient Hebrew text what has been translated as “man” and “man” are two different words. So they want to condemn homosexuality based on a rabbinical code in the Old Testament that no one can translate with certainty but ignore all the passages from the New Testament about loving thy neighbor and feeding the hungry, etc about which there is very little confusion. If a “Christian” church discriminates againt homosexuals it is not a Christian church. Being a member of the congregation of one of these churches makes you complicit in that baseless discrimination, so Chris Pratt should be called out. The Bible is much clearer in its condemnation of adultery and divorce Chris Pratt but I doubt any good Christian baker will refuse to bake a cake for your second wedding.
RamblingManNJ
As I have become older and at peace with my orientation I find that anti gay attitudes and comments that once would set me off so easily just no longer have the sting they once might have had. Sometimes I was on a mission to find things to get offended about. Ask yourself, If you allow what some random church says bother you so much have you really accepted yourself? It would be like somebody telling me a left hander, that left handedness is evil. I certainly wouldn’t get mad. I might just smirk to myself and think, “damn this person is bat shit crazy”, but I wouldn’t give it a thought more once the person left my side.
GayEGO
Well we are all different. Perhaps the Hillsong Church leaders do not have the deep, emotional feelings that most gays have, so they only have lifestyle in their lives. There is no other reason for me to be gay, it is who I am, not who I choose to be. Relationship is at the core of who I am and once I tossed the speculations of others, mostly religious ones, and decided to find a man that I could live with forever, I did such. My lifetime partner of 57 years, married almost 15 years, are both retired and living the American dream.
LthrboyGeorge
The Episcopal Church will welcome you both.
thisismylife247
Chris Pratt is a deuce bag; always has been and always will be. Some people were unable to see past his good looks and muscles to see the real person
Aires the Ram
Queerty, Why the hell is my comment above, “awaiting moderation”??????????
Is there foul language in it? A. NO Is there racist language in it? A. NO Is there politically controversial language in it? A. NO
Why is it “awaiting ‘moderation’??? You’re not flagging all my comments on various and sundry topics here as “awaiting moderation”, so why this one??? Got an agenda do ya?
justyouandi
I won’t be seeing any Ellen Page movies.
I can’t get past the hatred and anger.
Franklin
Why don’t we just face facts. If Chris Pratt were obese and unattractive, a lot of you wouldn’t be caping for him as hard as you are. Gays have a tendency to look past problematic behavior if the person doing it is doable. Same gay men would even smash a neo-nazi as long as he looked like a Sean Cody model.
LthrboyGeorge
So, according to this “church’s” rules, N*ggers and F*ggots are welcome, but only as long as they sit in the back, shut up, and put some money in the plate.