As a binary, heterosexual pastor, I continue to be heartbroken by how cruel Christians can be. I used to be Church of God but this is the very reason my wife and I left and joined the UMC. My prayers are with you...not that God would change you in any way but that you will continue to be a strong voice in a world that really needs it.
I’m so very sorry that people write these awful things to you and others in the name of God. I am fairly confident that God is embarrassed and not all that happy with her and others like her. She just epitomized the true sin in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah—inhospitality.
As a straight woman who switched churches after the 2024 election because I felt it was important to belong to an affirming church (not just a welcoming church), I just wanted to say that you are loved just as you are…and FOR all that you are. Be proud…this month and always.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way after the most recent election. I’m in the process of trying to find an open and affirming church. “Welcoming” just isn’t cutting it for me anymore.
Had a visceral reaction to "welcoming just isn't cutting it for me anymore." Exactly right. We're not here for your scraps. One of the things I LOVED about my last (and final) church... they didn't see me as "gay matt"...just "matt." I was gay. They knew and supported. It wasn't my whole identity to them. It was, "Matt has brown eyes and is gay." I loved that. Find a church like that. They're rare, and often wearing the robes and whatnot, but they are out there. Episcopal, Presbyterian... some of the mainline churches. But that "You can come to our church. We love you, but you won't be able to teach our children or be baptized or...." whatever else they decide isn't okay for you to do as a queer person. That isn't "welcome," that's probation.
100%! I’ve always been affirming but came to the realization that I had been making excuses for the church I’d been attending. Like “well some people in my church think that being gay is a sin but I don’t. The people are all nice though”. But in reality, they don’t believe what I believe and never have. And are they really “nice” if they exclude people? No they aren’t.
It doesn’t cut it at all, Emily. I currently belong to an affirming and progressive Mennonite Church. But I’m also a fan of Quaker Meetings. I attended a Unitarian Universalist church on Sunday…but I think I need a bit more Jesus than they typically give. But UU churches embrace and celebrate all people and especially the queer community.
As a binary, heterosexual pastor, I continue to be heartbroken by how cruel Christians can be. I used to be Church of God but this is the very reason my wife and I left and joined the UMC. My prayers are with you...not that God would change you in any way but that you will continue to be a strong voice in a world that really needs it.
I’m so very sorry that people write these awful things to you and others in the name of God. I am fairly confident that God is embarrassed and not all that happy with her and others like her. She just epitomized the true sin in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah—inhospitality.
As a straight woman who switched churches after the 2024 election because I felt it was important to belong to an affirming church (not just a welcoming church), I just wanted to say that you are loved just as you are…and FOR all that you are. Be proud…this month and always.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way after the most recent election. I’m in the process of trying to find an open and affirming church. “Welcoming” just isn’t cutting it for me anymore.
Had a visceral reaction to "welcoming just isn't cutting it for me anymore." Exactly right. We're not here for your scraps. One of the things I LOVED about my last (and final) church... they didn't see me as "gay matt"...just "matt." I was gay. They knew and supported. It wasn't my whole identity to them. It was, "Matt has brown eyes and is gay." I loved that. Find a church like that. They're rare, and often wearing the robes and whatnot, but they are out there. Episcopal, Presbyterian... some of the mainline churches. But that "You can come to our church. We love you, but you won't be able to teach our children or be baptized or...." whatever else they decide isn't okay for you to do as a queer person. That isn't "welcome," that's probation.
100%! I’ve always been affirming but came to the realization that I had been making excuses for the church I’d been attending. Like “well some people in my church think that being gay is a sin but I don’t. The people are all nice though”. But in reality, they don’t believe what I believe and never have. And are they really “nice” if they exclude people? No they aren’t.
It doesn’t cut it at all, Emily. I currently belong to an affirming and progressive Mennonite Church. But I’m also a fan of Quaker Meetings. I attended a Unitarian Universalist church on Sunday…but I think I need a bit more Jesus than they typically give. But UU churches embrace and celebrate all people and especially the queer community.
Thank you for your courage to be you. It helps others become authentic. Love is the answer, always in all ways.
Hugs 🤗
I love you. ❤️