Hello My Name Is

[Unique0503]

My name is Lynne and I reside in Maryland. My partner and I are raising four wonderful children and very active in the community and church. Recently, we were thrown a curve ball at church. Because there are many that believe our lifestyle is not in agreement with the Bible, we have been sat down (I am a Deacon and she is a Pastor) until we meet with the Board and agree to some reconciliation plan. Truly amazing.

However, we are looking at this stumbling stone as a chance to stand up and fight for ourselves and others. It is time that this issued be addressed head on. So, please be praying for us as we stand for our rights to freely worship and lead in God's house.

[andrewlittle]

My name is Lynne and I reside in Maryland. My partner and I are raising four wonderful children and very active in the community and church. Recently, we were thrown a curve ball at church. Because there are many that believe our lifestyle is not in agreement with the Bible, we have been sat down (I am a Deacon and she is a Pastor) until we meet with the Board and agree to some reconciliation plan. Truly amazing.

However, we are looking at this stumbling stone as a chance to stand up and fight for ourselves and others. It is time that this issued be addressed head on. So, please be praying for us as we stand for our rights to freely worship and lead in God's house.

Lynne, you and your partner will be in my prayers. My wife was a UMC probationary elder for three years, was unanimously approved for ordination by her BOM committee, but was summarily discontinued at the request of the bishop in the Iowa Conference. This was because she was a strong, verbal proponent of reform within the system, especially with regard to the full inclusion of LGBT and support of same-sex marriage rights.

I pray that Maryland is far less archaic and heterosexist than Iowa.

[BruceChris]

I support you, and wish you and your partner the very best. I have never in my life ever met a gay person who has ever said that it was a choice. If it is not a choice, it cannot be a sin, if we assume a theology of freedom of choice. Somehow, the hierarchy either dances around this consideration, or just ignores it entirely. :confused: :confused:

Peace and Love, and best wishes, Bruce Chris

[HarmlessEccentric]

That really stinks that your church would treat you in that way. There are lots of resources here for reading the Bible in new ways, and you might also find A Letter to Louise (http://www.godmademegay.com/) helpful. The sad truth, though, is that the churches are full of people who are not open to a different way of looking at gay people. Some of them are led to change when they learn that someone they're very close to is gay, and some never can.

I have a friend who is an ordained photocopy specialist, because the church that ordained her won't let her serve. It's profoundly unfair, but she does still find ways to live out her calling, and even to guest-preach in our cheerfully gay-welcoming congregation.

[Zerbie]

Welcome Lynne.

I'm glad you're here. :)

[Vanessa White]

I am so sorry to hear of your struggles within your church community. My partner, daughter and I all attend a UMC church in our small town, and although the issue of orientation has never been discussed, our pastor has thrown it in inclusively at times when her sermon addresses diversity. However, if push came to shove, I don't know that she would be able to go through with support of our family, in order to not hurt her standing within the church. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your partner that all resolves well; and FOUR!!! We have one and our heads are spinning most of the time. Peace to you all, Vanessa :love::love:

[Jennifer5]

Welcome:)

Pretty purple rose :)