Last week, Marvel superhero and raptor whisperer Chris Pratt appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As they discussed his recent, intense Bible-based diet, Pratt praised the pastor of his church. He didn't just advise the actor to fast like Daniel; he offered advice how to handle fame: "If the spotlight that is shining on you is brighter than the light that’s within you, it will kill you."
However, actress and activist Ellen Page called out the Lego Movie star for attending a church that is "infamously anti-LGBTQ." Pratt attends Zoe Church, a congregation of Hillsong Church, that has been criticized for homophobia. In a 2016 expose by The Daily Beast, former members claimed pastors helped congregants "pray their gay away" and preached about overcoming "gay demons."
In addition, Hillsong founder Brian Houston published a blog stating that "marriage is between a man and a woman." "Hillsong Church welcomes ALL people but does not affirm all lifestyles," he wrote. "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."
"If you are a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don’t be surprised if someone simply wonders why it’s not addressed," wrote Page in a follow-up tweet. "Being anti LGBTQ is wrong, there aren’t two sides. The damage it causes is severe. Full stop. Sending love to all."
In response, Pratt defended his church in a lengthy post on Instagram Stories. He insisted that his church community is inclusive, claimed that they helped him despite what the Bible says about divorce, and asserted that there is no place for hate in his life. Here's the full text:
"It has recently been suggested that I belong to a church which 'hates a certain group of people' and is 'infamously anti –LGBTQ.' Nothing could be further from the truth. I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.
"Despite what the Bible says about divorce my church community was there for me every step of the way, never judging, just gracefully accompanying me on my walk. They helped me tremendously offering love and support. It is what I have seen them do for others on countless occasions regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender.
"My faith is important to me but no church defines me or my life and I am not spokesman for any church or any group of people. My values define who I am. We need less hate in this world, not more. I am a man who believes that everyone is entitled to love who they want free from the judgment of their fellow man.
"This is what guides me in my life. He is a God of Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. Hate has no place in my or this world. Jesus said, 'I give you a new command, love one another.'"