Church Choirs singing hymns

A South Bend, IN church choir called The Ripple Effect sang Friday in front of Memories Pizza, the pizzeria that become the focal point of the debate over Indiana’s “religious freedom” law, in an effort to bridge the divide between Christian businesses and the LGBT community.

Memories Pizza owner Crystal O’Connor told a local news station last week that she would not cater a same-sex wedding due to her religious beliefs, describing the exact brand of discrimination critics feared the new law would embolden. The pizzeria withstood a their restaurant soon.

“We’re not here to condemn or condone the owners of the establishment, ” Klinedinst said. “We’re here to show them and the community that we can show love to people in spite of our differences.”

The Ripple Effect might have been moved to enter the debate due to its inclusion of gay members. “We just have differing opinions, ” said one of the choir’s gay members. “But, that’s okay. We’re supposed to have differing opinions. That’s what diversity is all about.”