Local churches join in Aurora’s annual Pride Parade

Congregants from Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora were among thousands who attended the city’s annual Pride Parade on Sunday, June 14.

Preceding the event was an ecumenical “Pridecakes” pancake breakfast and worship service hosted by New England Congregational Church in Aurora.

More than 80 parade entries featured hundreds of marchers who were cheered on by spectators celebrating the event's diversity and welcoming spirit.

Carlos Arechiga of Warrenville, an Aurora restaurateur and business owner, was grand marshal.

Wesley UMC pastor Rev. Tammy Scott said, “Many from Wesley joined with neighboring congregations and faith communities for our annual Ecumenical Pride Worship Service at New England Congregational Church. Together, we worshipped, prayed, sang, and celebrated God's love for all people.

“Pride Sunday offered a beautiful reminder that grace is not meant to be experienced alone. We encounter God's transforming love in community — when we listen to one another's stories, build relationships across differences, and work together to create spaces where all people are welcomed, valued, and loved,” Pastor Scott said. “Thank you to everyone who participated in worship, shared in the Pride Cakes Breakfast, walked in the Aurora Pride Parade, or offered support in countless other ways. Your presence was a witness to Wesley's commitment to love boldly, serve joyfully, and extend Christ's welcome to all.”

Aurora Mayor John Laesch was among parade marchers. At the city council meeting, he declared June as Pride Month in the city. Members of the Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board joined Mayor Laesch to accept the proclamation.

He said, “We, as a city, recognize the valuable contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, rejoice in the many triumphs and recall the ongoing trials in the quest for full equality. May we continue to walk alongside and support one another in love and community this month and always! ”