Well, I'm here.....

[akfeah]

Hi, I'm Ruthanne. I've been a silent observer of Soulforce for over a year now. It never occured to me to be member of the group. In fact it never occured to me such groups existed until a year or so ago. I'm a reitred church musician: organist/choir director. This career made it extremely dangerous for me as a gay woman. I did not dare "out" throughout my career until I saw my church(Lutheran) actively and blatantly discriminating against the GLBT community in the church. In protest I "outed" to my bishop and was removed from the roster as an AIM (certified layworker). I"ll be joining the UCC congregation I serve now part-time. I'm extremely grateful for Soulforce and its mission.

[Zerbie]

Welcome Ruthanne,

You certainly found the right place!!!! As a musician, you are in the majority here, I believe. (Has anyone counted?? Maybe I'll start a poll.)

I'm one of the career musicians on here (operatic soprano, voice teacher, bla bla.) There are some organists floating around here too (Keltic, come say "hi") I admire you organist-types - ya'll are so smart!

Glad you found a new church "home." Come back and keep chatting with us if you like: you may find SF to be a bit of a "home" as well.

[kara speltz]

Hi, I'm Ruthanne. I've been a silent observer of Soulforce for over a year now. It never occured to me to be member of the group. In fact it never occured to me such groups existed until a year or so ago. I'm a reitred church musician: organist/choir director. This career made it extremely dangerous for me as a gay woman. I did not dare "out" throughout my career until I saw my church(Lutheran) actively and blatantly discriminating against the GLBT community in the church. In protest I "outed" to my bishop and was removed from the roster as an AIM (certified layworker). I"ll be joining the UCC congregation I serve now part-time. I'm extremely grateful for Soulforce and its mission.

Dear Ruthanne: Welcome and congratulations on the courage you have shown. I too would love to hear more of your story. I'm Catholic myself, but have had a love affair to some extent with the ELCA. They seemed so close a few years back to comprehending what the welcome table should look like. Still they're more progressive than the RC, but I'm blessed to be in a parish where all are welcome at the table. kara

[JudB]

Welcome

I am amember of a gay affirming UCC congregation. I t also used to be Catholic but I just couldn't make that work.

It is a long and arduous trek to being yourself in an open and honest way, but well worth the effort.

[Allyson]

Welcome, Ruthanne! Look forward to getting to know you better! :)