A church in Oregon has gone viral for its series of inclusive signs.
Clackamas United Church of Christ, in Milwaukie, has been praised for the posters, which were created to represent its values.
In a bid to show others how the church welcomes people of all race, religion and sexual orientation, Pastor Adam - who runs the church - set about trying to 'get the message out' to passersby.
Advert
He explained that although people saw the church building, they didn't really know much about it, or what its values were.
So, Pastor Adam came up with the idea of fundraising to create unique and inclusive signs which would be erected outside the church.
While regular numbers at the church had dropped to around 30, soon, people were stopping their cars to thank Pastor Adam for his openness.
Advert
"I came to the Clackamas United Church of Christ about a year and a half ago and realized that we needed to get our message out into the neighborhood," Pastor Adam told Bored Panda.
"People saw our building but didn't know what our values were. So we started a fundraiser for the sign and I started posting those messages. People began to stop as they drove by to thank me for the messages. But I didn't know it would have an online impact, too.
"Amidst the pain of the world and all the hate, people are thirsty for something deeper. The truth of the Gospel is that all people are loved. The sin is when we start treating certain people and groups as if they are not loved.
Advert
"Jesus was most critical of those who used religion as an excuse to marginalize others. We are merely seeking to follow Jesus in the best way we can."
Pastor Adam posts images of the signs on his social media account @clackamasucc. One reads: "Kind atheists are closer to Jesus than mean Christians".
Meanwhile another asks others to 'be kind. Everyone is struggling' and a third adds: "Do not body shame, 11th commandment".
Advert
Adam says that other churches in the area have been accepting of the signs, with any negativity having been extremely rare.
"One guy stopped as I was changing the sign and told me I didn't understand the Bible," he continued.
"But that's been most of the criticism. Everyone else honks, or says 'great job!' It's been very supportive."
Advert
What a brilliant way to make everyone feel included.
Lucy Devine