from www.afro.com – In an effort to apologize to the homosexual community for mistreatment from the religious community, pastors Craig Gross and Jason Harper spoke candidly about God, the church and religion to attendees of the 39th annual Atlanta Pride Festival, according to a news release.

“We came to simply say we are sorry for the way people in religious circles have attacked gay people and caused them to feel like outcasts,” said Gross, founder of TripleXChurch, an Internet network that assists those struggling with pornography addictions and adult entertainment industry workers. “The Jesus that we believe in does not discriminate. He loves all people – no matter who they are or what they have done.”

Gross and Harper had a booth in the festival marketplace where they spoke with attendees, handed out white bracelets with the words “We are Sorry” inscribed on them and “It’s True, He does,” referencing God’s love for the gay community. The pastors also handed out water bottles with “God Loves You” written on them.

“The gay community has been singled out and condemned by people who have hijacked the Jesus of Scripture,” said Harper, director of community outreach at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, Calif. “Many people we encountered had never had a positive experience with a religious person or the name Jesus. We desired to talk about their spirituality, not their sexuality, and focus on the hope and love of Jesus.”

Gross and Harper are authors of the book “Jesus Loves You…This I Know,” which was released in August. The pastors said they’ve used the book to connect with those groups most detached from spiritual living.