How Do Rainn Wilson and Justin Baldoni Even Know Each Other?

Over the weekend, Variety reported on leaked texts from a group chat involving Justin Baldoni, It Ends with Us producer Jamey Heath, actor Travis Van Winkle (FUBAR, The Last Ship), musician Andy Grammer, and The Office star Rainn Wilson. In the chat, Rainn Wilson asks about the status of the It Ends with Us situation early on, and Justin Baldoni claims that Ryan Reynolds confronted him over his behavior on set.

“Ryan was talking to me like a five-year-old and scolding me,” Baldoni wrote. “They essentially said that Jamey and I are not who we claimed to be and that for us to have a podcast is unsafe because it makes people feel like we are safe.”

“The words creepy and abuse were used in reference to my behavior. I was then given the words to say and had to apologize, but I was unable to because my brain was trying to comprehend what was happening.”

“I feel this was unjust, and yet the only path forward was to acknowledge her and Ryan’s feelings and apologize and take the wrath of an angry husband.”

In response, Rainn Wilson offered support as a friend.

“Oh my God. I can’t believe it. You were set up and ambushed and personally attacked. I’m stunned. I completely relate to you being stunned, like a deer in the headlights. Probably better that you didn’t immediately start apologizing. So grateful that Jamey is your partner and could step in diplomatically as needed. Onwards, brother. Make a great and important and entertaining piece of storytelling. That’s all you can do now.”

If someone crosses a line, is being confronted by an upset spouse really that surprising? If someone behaved inappropriately around my wife, I doubt I’d give them a warning or sugarcoat it. Say what you will about Ryan Reynolds, but calling out someone over concerning behavior toward your spouse feels pretty reasonable. Baldoni should be happy that Ryan Reynolds is from Canada and not Texas.

But that’s almost beside the point. The bigger question: Why are Rainn Wilson and Justin Baldoni texting each other at all? It’s not exactly Alexander Skarsgård and Jack McBrayer random, but it’s still unxpected. But the answer is simple: everyone in that group chat shares one thing in common — they are all members of the Bahá’í Faith.

For those unfamiliar, the Bahá’í Faith is a global religion that teaches that all major world religions originate from the same divine source and are different chapters in a progressive revelation from God. In other words: why choose one religion when you can see value in all of them?

The Bahá’í Faith centers on the belief that all humanity is one. Racial, religious, and gender equality are essential values. Members observe a 19-day fast every March, focus heavily on community service and social justice, and work toward eliminating prejudice.

That’s all commendable. However, there’s a giant footnote: sexual relations are only permitted within marriage, and marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. Bahá’ís are expected to treat LGBTQ people with love and respect — as long as they don’t marry or engage in romantic relationships.

It’s almost there, damnit! If you’re building a progressive faith that draws from the most compassionate parts of other religions, wouldn’t it be worth going just a little further and making room for LGBTQ relationships too? Valuing racial, religious, and gender equality is important, but so is recognizing that love is love is love.