ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) — Chris Pratt is defending his church after actress and activist Ellen Page claimed that Pratt’s place of worship is “infamously” anti-LGBTQ.
Page, who is gay, criticized L.A.’s Zoe Church after The Hollywood Reporter published a story about the Marvel movie star’s spiritual fast, which was inspired by the bible.
Page tweeted, “[H]is church is infamously anti lgbtq so maybe address that too?”
The actress expounded, “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. Being anti LGBTQ is wrong…The damage it causes is severe. Full stop.”
In a lengthy Instagram Story post, Pratt responded, “Nothing could be further from the truth. I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.”
Indeed, the Zoe Church says as much on its website: Our church is a place where our doors are open to people of all backgrounds—regardless of where they are at in their journeys— and we hope all feel welcomed, comfortable and loved.”
Pratt, who recently got divorced from Anna Faris, added, “Despite what the Bible says about divorce, my church community was there for me every step of the way, never judging, just…offering love and support. It is what I have seen them do for others on countless occasions regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender.”
He added, “My faith is important to me but no church defines me or my life and I am not [the] 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.”
The devout actor concluded, “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,” Pratt concluded his post also adding, “Jesus said, ‘I give you a new command, love one another.'”
Copyright © 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.