Originally published in the Owatonna People’s Press, July 26, 2025
Recently, our community came together for a celebration of inclusion, belonging, and joy. The local Pride festival was filled with music, laughter, families, food, and friendship. People showed up to be seen, to be known, and to support one another. It was a beautiful reflection of the kind of community we strive to be: one that welcomes, embraces, and values all people. My wife and I went down to the Pride festival, to be present and to show support.
Unfortunately, a small group of protestors arrived from a church in a different community. They did not come to join in or learn. They came to shout words of hate and condemnation. They came to divide, to shame, and to disrupt. They claimed to represent Jesus, but their actions and words did not reflect the love Christ calls us to.
As a pastor who deeply loves this community, I want to say clearly and directly that this is not the way of Jesus. Christ’s ministry was marked by radical love, deep compassion, and a strong commitment to the dignity of every person. He welcomed the outcast, stood with the marginalized, and called his followers to love one another, especially when it was difficult.
The protestors who came here do not speak for our community. They do not speak for the God I know. Their words do not reflect the values of Owatonna or of the Gospel.
I know many people were hurt by their presence. I know that for some, it stirred up fear, anger, or reopened old wounds. To those who felt targeted, judged, or unsafe, I want you to hear this clearly: You are loved. You are valued. You belong here.
It can be tempting to respond to hate with more hate. But that is not who we are. We are better than that. This is a time to come together, not just in response to a protest, but to reaffirm the kind of town we want to be. A place where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated. A place where neighbors look out for one another, where kids are taught to lead with kindness, and where every person knows they matter.
The Bible says, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). That is not just a suggestion. It is a call to action. Love does not always mean agreement. But it does mean recognizing the image of God in each person we meet. It means rejecting fear and division. It means working for justice, practicing empathy, and building relationships across our differences.
Let’s keep showing up for one another. Let’s continue to choose compassion over contempt. Let’s build a community where love is not just a value we talk about, but a way of life.
We will not let those who have a different agenda define who we are. We will not allow hate to have the final word.
Because here in Owatonna, love speaks louder.
And love always wins.
Rev. Todd Buegler is the senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.
Test Driving Theology 