Then, on the flipside, I was excommunicated from a liberal church for expressing a traditional view of marriage, and failing to recognize that a gay friend was closeted, even in that inclusive setting. The church council, of which I was a member, met secretly and determined, I should not return. When I failed to comply, they threatened criminal trespass charges. All that to say: on this issue, there does not appear to be a “kind“ response in any kind of church
That sounds so painful, Carlene! I'm sorry that happened to you. I would not say that either response is representative of how this should go. :) I think we certainly could find a "kind" response as demonstrated by Jesus himself. It's just that your story and Steve's are examples of how that goes wrong.
Then, on the flipside, I was excommunicated from a liberal church for expressing a traditional view of marriage, and failing to recognize that a gay friend was closeted, even in that inclusive setting. The church council, of which I was a member, met secretly and determined, I should not return. When I failed to comply, they threatened criminal trespass charges. All that to say: on this issue, there does not appear to be a “kind“ response in any kind of church
That sounds so painful, Carlene! I'm sorry that happened to you. I would not say that either response is representative of how this should go. :) I think we certainly could find a "kind" response as demonstrated by Jesus himself. It's just that your story and Steve's are examples of how that goes wrong.