I've already voted, but if I had to vote today, I'd be torn--even tho Obama and I share a faith

[Critters2]

I am a member of the same Christian denomination as Barack Obama. Obama is not the first politician of our faith with high office or high aspirations. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, Bob Graham, Max Baucus and Howard Dean are also UCC. I've thought it might be cool to have a UCC in the White House, to give some visibility to a tradition of which I am deeply proud.

But Obama is anything but a point of pride for me. Our denomination is known for its outspoken support of glbt people, ordaining them since 1972, endorsing/allowing marriages as a denomination since 2005 but on the local level well before that. It is one of the things I'm most proud of.

But now I have to keep explaining to people that the UCC is not homophobic, does not oppose gay marriage, ordains gay clergy, and does NOT support ex-gay ministries. Every time I think I've clarified this, Obama does something else to embarrass us again.

If I could ask Barack Obama one thing, it would be "Why are you UCC?" or maybe "Why do you walk away from our UCC progressive positions on glbt issues so often?".

Since I've voted for John Edwards, this is all academic. I'll probably vote for the nominee in November. But if that nominee is Barack Obama, his belonging to my church won't be a factor.

Which makes me kind of sad.

[aquart]

1. You're right. I had a completely different impression of your church

And I'm glad to have it corrected.

A gay friend died. I went to the service at his church. It was a welcoming church. The pastor who gave the service knew him so well, because he was such a contributing participant in church activities, and was so grief-stricken, as were so many of the members of the congregation who were also there...I can't tell you how much it mattered to me that he had found that place and those people.

I am truly happy to know there are other churches out there being just as loving.

[Critters2]

2. Thank you for your kind words. I'm so proud that we provide a place

that welcomes those other churches turn away. I serve a church in a fairly small, very conservative town. We're the only open and affirming church in town, and I think it's so important that we offer this ministry to glbt people. I wish Obama were as proud of this ministry as I am.

And I'm sorry about your friend.