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Originally Posted by sam
I need to write a letter and other than using things that keltic63 said, I'm (not) sure how to go about saying what I want to say.
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Sam, you could simply share your story and have it end with something like, "And so that is how I came to understand God's love and acceptance of me. It is my hope that my brothers and sisters at (church name) will honor my place at God's table -- even if you do not understand everything about homosexual persons such as myself."
By saying something like that, you reframe the debate. Their action to excommunicate you is now seen in the negative light of fellow invitees to God's table asking another invitee to leave that table.
You might also consider pointing out that you are not the lone ranger on this, that there are many biblical scholars and noteworthy Presbyterians who feel called to proclaim God's acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trangender people. That might resonate with some members of the church. Too often we view anti-gay churches as monoliths, forgetting that there is likely a nice gray-haired lady who knows the pastor hasn't spoken right on issues in the past and who thinks fondly of that nice gay nurse who was so friendly during her husband's last days in the hosptal. Or some young couple who attends the church but also views themselves as "more on the liberal side of things."
If you felt especially daring and had access to a friend with the latest church directory, you could even send your letter to everyone in the church.