Hi my name if Rob and I'm from Fredericton New Brunswick Canada

[RobfromCanadianMaritimes]

I enjoy and exicted continuously about hearing about this soulforce organization that is happening south of the border and hope it continues to grow in numbers, support and influence.
I have had extreme difficulties with Christianity, especially with the more fundamental/pentecostal/evangelical aspects of it, both with respect to my sexuality and with other things.
I am a gay man who is just as open and comfortable with my sexuality as I would be if I was straight (although that would not be the case two years ago!)
I know that God, Christ and the Holy Spirit accepts my sexuality, I consider myself a spiritual person because of this. I also know that the Bible does not say anything explicitly on my homosexuality, but it does tell me to love one another and to find Mr. Right and marry him.
Now my only wish is that the church will accept my sexuality so I can go on the road of Christianity again.
Anyway in closing I feel you guys in Soulforce are doing a great job and keep me posted in what is up.

[BrentRichards]

Hi Rob! Welcome to the forums. Pull up a chair and stay awhile!

[dsdrane]

Hi Rob! Welcome!

Some of my people hail from up your way...Hardwood Ridge in Sunbury County.

Glad you found us.

[Angeleliza41]

Hi Rob,
You may not realize it but there has been a Church that saw us as gifts from God and not Abominations. It is my families Church. It is the Church of Thomas. It is a long story, but Mom teases me that I'm the first Evangelist for the Church of Thomas she has ever heard of. She seems concerned for my safety, but proud as well.
You might want to see the verse that I heard growing up, that told me that I was special. I finally found it in print. It is a great story how I found it. Well anyway here it is.
This is the Verse I have told you about. Instead of going through all of my blogs to find it, the verse will stand alone. The entire text of the Reconciler Gospel of Thomas is on my Tripod site, if you would like to read the whole thing.

(114) Peter said to Jesus, "Let Mary and all the other women leave us. They are the root and branch of sin. They are the source of all temptation. Women are not worthy of Eternal Life."
Jesus responded, "I say to you males, do not look down on a female because until you are made over to be as a female you will be barred from full Inheritance in the sight of The One."
Jesus said, "Until you are like the Lowest of the Angels, being in balance of body and soul. Reconciling of the male and the female, you will remain on the edge of the Full Glory and Joy of the Brilliance of The One. The One is all that was, is, and will be."
Being on the edge you will still be Loved, and Beloved. The One knows that it is a hard lesson to learn. Others will rejoice in the affirmation of what they have learned. Or like Angels have always known."
Jesus said, "I myself will lead Mary of Magdela in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit, resembling you males. Every woman who will make herself male will become a full Inheritor, as well, in Heaven and full Light of The One."
Hugs,
Angel

[RobfromCanadianMaritimes]

Thank you all for the wonderful comments and making me feel welcomed on this forum!
I actually did grow up in the United Church of Canada, which, evidentially is the only denomination that on the political scale supports same sex marriage here in Canada (there might be others; I can't think of them at the moment so if you know of any then please let me know).
Also glad to hear about people living near where I live (sunbury county!)
The gospel of Thomas? I am unfamiliar with but the passage does look interesting. Is it a part of the gnostic gospels I hear about?
Anyway glad to see that people care and continue to care! Glad to see the Soulforce movement taking more shape!
Yours in Spirit
-Rob

[BrentRichards]

Originally Posted by RobfromCanadianMaritimes

Thank you all for the wonderful comments and making me feel welcomed on this forum!
I actually did grow up in the United Church of Canada, which, evidentially is the only denomination that on the political scale supports same sex marriage here in Canada (there might be others; I can't think of them at the moment so if you know of any then please let me know).
Also glad to hear about people living near where I live (sunbury county!)
The gospel of Thomas? I am unfamiliar with but the passage does look interesting. Is it a part of the gnostic gospels I hear about?
Anyway glad to see that people care and continue to care! Glad to see the Soulforce movement taking more shape!
Yours in Spirit
-Rob

I don't have direct info, but someone (dsdrane?) might ... the Episcopal Church in Canada has been in the middle of the worldwide Episcopal battle because of solemnizing gay unions ... where they would fall on the political issue of gay marriage I don't know for sure, but suspect they would tend to be supportive. Anyone know for sure?

[d_pedr]

Hi Rob

welcome to you.

The more I look at the life to come, the less I become convinced that who a christian marries [whatever sex] becomes important, unless their partner stops them growing with God.

In Matt 22:29 & 30 'Jesus replied [to the Sadducees] "You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry or be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven."

love and hugs

[RobfromCanadianMaritimes]

I do not know much about the episcopal church although they tend to be more on the supportive side (as far as I know).

It just occured to me that I know the Anglican church of Canada is kind of wavering over how welcoming they are/should be towards glbt individuals. I'm with the integrity group here so I know abit of the "politics" that is going on.
Will see!
-Rob