On Sunday,  October 13, 2019, The Crossing Church in Columbia, MO gave a sermon which condemned LGBTQ+, Trans, and Non-Binary people. 

Hate has no home in Columbia, MO. We reject all who preach or practice hate by taking an active role in rebuking it. 

The Crossing Church contributes millions of dollars to businesses and organizations. When they give money to and sponsor local businesses and organizations, they receive promotion in exchange. This promotion implies that the businesses support, or at least approve of, The Crossing's policies and beliefs.

By continuing a partnership with The Crossing, even after it published an incredibly transphobic sermon, T/F and Ragtag continue to lend legitimacy to this organization and its message. Furthermore, by releasing a statement touting the partnership as “creating a dialog,” it also tells people that this message of hate is one worth hearing. It's not. It's hate speech, and it's harmful.

The True/False Film Festival has been a recipient of The Crossing's financial contributions: to the sum of $35,000. The sister organization, Ragtag Cinema has also received funds in the sum of $8,000. These groups regularly give The Crossing promotions before or after films, print promotions, and vocal endorsements in exchange. 

True/False Film Festival and Ragtag have stated that they seek to practice radical inclusion; promoting The Crossing and their message of hate are contrary to that purpose. We call on them to take a public stand. 

This is a call for them to stay true to their values and mission statement by taking the following actions:

1. End their partnership with The Crossing church

2. Release a public statement condemning The Crossing's intolerance of LGBTQ+  and Non-Binary people, and reaffirming their own support and dedication for inclusion and protections of all people. 

Until they do these things, they will be boycotted. By signing this petition, you are signaling that you will NOT be supporting either organization (True/False Film Fest and Ragtag Cinema) in any way, including: financially or by volunteer support.