08 October 2021

Lt. Governor Mark Robinson

Mr. Robinson,

You have the incredible opportunity and privilege to serve the state of North Carolina as our Lt. Governor.
This office comes with great power and privilege. We are reminded in scripture, to whom much is given,
much is expected. Mr. Robinson, you have a great responsibility, and your words have power.

To be frank, the leadership and membership of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) across North
Carolina and around the globe are appalled, disgusted, and hurt by your remarks at Asbury Baptist
Church, quoted here: "There is no reason anybody, anywhere in America should be telling any child about
transgenderism, homosexuality or any of that filth."

The Apostle Paul admonishes all of us in Ephesians: Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only
what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Mr.
Robinson, there is no building up with words when you are calling someone "filth," nor is there any grace
imparted in those words.

Your words have caused considerable harm and have the potential to cost people their lives. The Trevor
Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13–24 attempts suicide every 45
seconds in the U.S. This number could be reduced by as much as 40% if an adult in these young
people's lives shares unconditional love with them.

Mr. Robinson, you have an opportunity to make right the wrong and harm (sin) you have done, and we
would like to help you. During your remarks at Asbury Baptist Church, you offered to meet with
constituents that do not agree with your position on queer people: "And yes, I called it filth. And if you
don't like it that I called it filth, come see me about it."

To that end, we are formally requesting a meeting with you by a delegation of Faith and Community
Leaders to discuss these topics. We would welcome the opportunity to create an open dialogue to
understand each other better and find pathways to uphold the responsibility entrusted to us - to care for
people, encourage them to be their best selves, and share a message of hope and love.

We would like to do that together.

Rev. Vance Haywood Mark Godette

Senior Pastor Vice Moderator
St. John’s MCC Metropolitan Community Churches

622 Maywood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27603

919.834.2611
www.stjohnsmcc.org
Signed by:

Rev. Wanda Floyd (she/ her/ hers)

Emerging Church and MCC Communities Co-ordinator
Metropolitan Community Churches

Jennifer E. Copeland, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)

Executive Director
North Carolina Council of Churches

Mark Godette (he/him/his)

Vice Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches

Rev. Vance Haywood (he/him/his)

Senior Pastor
St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church

Stan Kimer (he/him/his)

NC Council of Churches Governing Board, Past President
Past Chair, MCC Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministry

Melissa Haithcox-Dennis, PhD, MCHES (she/her/hers)

Executive Director
Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolina

Kaye Vassey (she/her/hers)

Board of Directors
LGBT Center of Raleigh

Rev. Joan Saniuk, PhD (she/her/hers)

Senior Pastor
MCC Sacred Journey, Hendersonville, NC

Rev. Dawn Flynn (sher/her/hers)

Senior Pastor
New Life MCC, Gastonia, NC

Rev. Jane Nelson (she/her/hers)

Retired MCC Clergy
Lake Gaston - Henrico, NC

Rev. John McLaughlin

Senior Pastor
St. Jude MCC, Wilmington, NC

622 Maywood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27603

919.834.2611
www.stjohnsmcc.org