WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, PFLAG National—the nation’s first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their families, and allies—issued the following response from PFLAG NYC parent Aya Yabe, regarding the United Methodist Church (UMC) vote to maintain the ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage.

“Were it not for the open mind and welcoming heart of a UMC minister at the Church of the Village in New York City in 1973, there would be no PFLAG.

As a member of the St. Paul & St. Andrew UMC, and the PFLAG mom of a gay daughter, I can’t imagine where my family would be now, without that first act of love and faith 46 years ago.

Imagine: Hundreds of thousands of families torn apart, without the life-saving resources they need and the safe space that PFLAG meetings provide—many of them in affirming UMC churches across the country.

The actions and words coming out of the UMC today are difficult, worrying, and run counter to everything PFLAG—and millions of UMC members—stand for. Simply put: We are all God’s children.

We are here—and will stay here—to protect LGBTQ+ people from harmful languages and actions, and affirm that they are loved inclusive of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.”