This is an opinion piece by the author and not all opinions may reflect the Rapid City Post, it’s affiliates, or advertisers.
Saturday June 28th 2025 was a lusciously warm and sunny day in Rapid City South Dakota. Memorial Park was awash in vibrancy and pride as a festival of inclusion took place.
The pride movement which originated with the 1969 raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, has broadened in scope over the years. While the Stonewall raids and subsequent riots are some of the premier actions taken by the community it began the formation of a cohesive group that shifted into a more organized and visible culture towards activism.
Pride has become a global social movement advocating for the rights, self-affirmation, dignity, equality and visibility of LGBTQ+ people. Much of this belief opposes traditional church doctrine and leaves those of faith in the LGBTQ+ population floundering within the pond of Christianity.
However, in Rapid City, love overcomes ignorance and fear in several local churches. Colorful rainbow displays encouraged attendees at the event to seek refuge and find God at their houses of worship. Canyon lake United Methodist Churchs’ banner read- Accepting and Affirming you Just As You Are. St Andrew’s Episcopal Churchs’ sign stated God loves You and So do We. Unity of the Black Hills is Honoring All Paths to God- everyone welcome. First Congregational United Church of Christ also showed their support towards the LGBTQ+ community with their rainbow ordained booth and friendly greeters.
As times change and life becomes unstable for many it is heartwarming to see that people of faith understand the true meaning of the commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself. Compassion, understanding and inclusion are virtues we can still stand on today.
Canyon Lake United Methodist Church – 3500 Canyon Lake Drive Rapid City- 605-348-1080
St Andrew’s Episcopal Church – 910 Sioux San drive Rapid City – 605-343-4210
Unity of the Black Hills – 3645 Sturgis Road Suite 400 Rapid City – 605-430-4801
First Congregational United Church of Christ – 1200 Clark Street Rapid City -605-342-5787
