[chuck2pastor]

I don't think I'm being inauthentic because I choose not to share with my congregation and denominational leaders things which are really none of their business. There is a huge difference between being inauthentic and choosing carefully those to whom I share the most intimate details of my life. Many other pastors have been and are in the same position I'm in. I preach the Word every Sunday morning. I visit the sick and shut-in. I baptize infants and adults, officiate at funerals and weddings. I walk with people on their journey with Christ. The church I serve reaches out to the community in tangible ways, by providing a soup kitchen, a food pantry and financial assistance to those who need help paying their rent or electric bill or... None of these persons needs to know that I'm gay, and my coming out to them would do more harm to them than it would ever help me. Since most of the leadership of the church are homophobic, they would most likely leave the church rather than work with a gay pastor. I might change my mind one day, but for now, I choose to remain closeted at my church, even as I come out to a select group of friends.