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.
Thanks for sharing Steve's story. I deeply resonated with so much of it. As an openly queer Christian, I admire his honesty and perspective. I left my non-affirming church when I came out and the process of being released from membership was heart-breaking... unnecessarily so. Navigating any church as a queer person can be tricky, especially ones that are not clear about their policies regarding queer folks. I'm so encouraged to hear how Steve is doing now and that he is still able to experience God's love.
I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through, Mary. I mourn that so many of the queer community have been alienated and demonized for wanting to worship Jesus alongside fellow Christians. It’s wrong and so far from God’s heart.
And yes, Steve is such a gift and a dear friend. I’m so grateful to learn from him. 🫶🏻 (and btw, he has a new album out! 😜)
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.
Thanks for sharing Steve's story. I deeply resonated with so much of it. As an openly queer Christian, I admire his honesty and perspective. I left my non-affirming church when I came out and the process of being released from membership was heart-breaking... unnecessarily so. Navigating any church as a queer person can be tricky, especially ones that are not clear about their policies regarding queer folks. I'm so encouraged to hear how Steve is doing now and that he is still able to experience God's love.
I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through, Mary. I mourn that so many of the queer community have been alienated and demonized for wanting to worship Jesus alongside fellow Christians. It’s wrong and so far from God’s heart.
And yes, Steve is such a gift and a dear friend. I’m so grateful to learn from him. 🫶🏻 (and btw, he has a new album out! 😜)