Wow Chad, what a story. Sadly, it doesn't sound all that unusual. I am a teacher and some of my kids at school have similar experiences... but I digress. Anyway, it sounds like you have found your soulmate with Charles and I hope the two of you take your past experiences and forge a new experience out of the pain and mistakes. You can't go back, but you can go forward and you only have this life to make it count. Sorry for the cliches, but some do hold truth. I am sorry about your experience at Cathedral of Hope. I hope they have not gone the way of straight churches and are only in it for the money.
There are plenty of good gay churches in the Dallas area. Seek out a more welcoming congregation and I hope and pray that someday you find a place of healing and love.
Welcome and God bless you.
