I came out at church last sunday and that is why I asked about open

[dsc]

and affirming churches.

Our church is struggling with the extent to which it will become open and affirming of gay people. After the pride experience where the worship service was protested by the Concord group. Then we had a praise service at our church where one of us told of her experience at pride and that we were forming a chapter of the gay, lesbian and affirming deciples at the church. An elderly parishoner interupted and compared us to murderers and child molesters. Eventually we continued with the service and it was my turn for special music. I proceded to describe pride and tell my faith story before singing Amazing Grace. It was both scary and exhilarating at the same time.

I don't know what future is in store for my church but after the reactions I got I think we are going to win this one.

[blm]

1. I can almost feel your heart beating across state.

Peace be to you and to all your friends there.

[dsc]

2. Thanks

I think that though difficult, we will eventually be able to get this church to see the light. Most of the church is with us with just a few holdouts. It is difficult to make change though.

[brook]

3. Peace to you.

I don't participate in 'organized' religion, though if I feel the need, I'll go to Mass once in awhile.
I understand a need for community...just have trouble with man-made constructs like my RC Church...having been told my children were bastards because I married outside the church. I hope your church is as good as you are and that you are embraced fully.

[sandnsea]

4. oh my goodness!!

That is just incredible! I am so so happy for you and appreciate your courage in making the world more tolerant and loving. Awesome!! :hug:

[dsc]

5. thanks

I was both nervous and as a result maybe less eloquent than I would have liked to be. I actually found a way to bring math of all things into it. I really think that our church needed it one way or the other. We need to, as the saying goes, poop or get off the pot.

[JerseygirlCT]

7. I wish you well. And maybe even more, I wish understanding

to those fellow congregants who obviously are in need of a great deal of it.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

6. I think what will eventually do it is people who are already

respected in their communities coming out.

That may not convince the hardcore bigots, but the people who are bigoted out of ignorance rather than hatred will be forced to reconsider their prejudices.

[Freedom_from_Chains]

14. All evil arises out of ignorance

Unfortunately, America has become very evil in recent decades.

[struggle4progress]

8. Hang in there!

[blue cat]

9. May God be with you

to help keep you strong.

[kwassa]

10. may God grant you strength and courage to love and serve

with gladness and singleness of heart.



Your cause is great.

[AnnieBW]

11. Metropolitan Community Church

My gay friend is very active in something called the Metropolitan Community Church. It's not only gay-friendly, it caters to the GLBT community. Unfortunately, if you're Catholic and GLBT, forget it. :shrug:

[dsc]

12. We have a MCC but it is close to an hour trip for me

If this church doesn't work out for me then my plan B is to either move to Raleigh, where I already work, or to do a new start UCC with some friends.

[nemo137]

13. God bless you.

Like Paul says, "No part of the body can say to the other 'I have no need of you.'" There's no reason to separate one's sexuality from one's faith.