In 2021 perversion activists were successful in pressuring several local governments to either fly the perverted pride flag in June or pressure city councils to pass a Pride Resolution for the month of June. For three years the Arlington Heights city council has passed a resolution declaring June to be Pride Month. These resolutions have been signed by Mayor Tom Hayes who is a member in good standing of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church.

I was personally not aware of what took place in 2021 until later in the summer. After a second resolution was passed in 2022, a number of concerned pastors started to discuss a proper response. Late in 2022, a letter signed by 14 pastors and Christian leaders expressing concern that a member in good standing signed two proclamations.

We first asked the elders to clarify their own position on marriage and sexuality. We were glad to hear that the elders affirmed the clear teaching of Scripture on these issues. We were troubled, however, that they deemed the actions of Mayor Hayes to be a matter of conscience and that Christians serving in politics have to settle for the least worst option.

We responded to the elder board raising concern about the language of the “least worst option.” Further, we requested a meeting to better discuss these important issues in person.

This request for a meeting was denied and the principle of issues of conscience was again stated in defense of Mayor Hayes. We responded to both of these issues in a third letter sent to the Orchard.

The video recorded by Pastor James Pittman and Pastor Calvin Lindstrom further explores the interaction of concerned pastors with the elders of The Orchard. Further videos related to our involvement and background to this story will be shared. This is a vital issue that must be confronted with God’s truth. We cannot just remain silent and pretend that this is not a serious problem.

JOIN US! On Friday evening, June 30, a special panel of pastors will speak to the issue of God’s Law and Gospel and LGBT. Learn more about the event and register to attend.