Congregants worship at Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Screenshot/WFAA

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The Cathedral of Hope — an LGBTQ+-affirming United Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas — has made a concerted effort to defend the queer community from “persecution,” as the state government targets drag queens and transgender people.

The church recently held a service where they blessed drag queens and pledged to “stand for justice, proclaim love, and protect the rights of all people.”

While about three dozen protestors stood outside of the church hurling slurs and threats, approximately 850 people attended the service.

But for the ugliness on display outside, the congregation filled the building with love and “radical inclusivity.”

“We recognize that all people are made in the loving image of God, no matter who they are, how they dress, express themselves, or who they love,” the pastor intoned during the service. “We celebrate this divine diversity and commit to lifting up the voices of the LGBTQ+ community and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.”