Remembering those in the Church who Love us

[PittsburghJeff]

I was in church on Sunday at my United Methodist Church that I attend here in Pittsburgh. A Pastor walked up to me and said "I just wanted to tell you that you and Brian (Partner) have such a beautiful son and you both are doing such a fine job. It is such a joy to see him so happy"

When he walked away, I thanked the Lord for having the opportunity to know him. I felt God's presence in his voice.

I wanted to share this with you, because I know it is a discomfort that the United Methodist Church Book Discipline has harsh words about us. But despite those words, there are alot of really beautiful, God filled,and loving people in the United Methodist Church. I write this post because I think it is important to recognize and remember those in the church that do love us.

I always remember, it is God who called me to serve in His church.

I hope all of you are having a wonderful evening. Peace and Blessings: Jeff

[BruceChris]

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[Steven E. Webster]

Jeff,

Thanks for sharing those words of encouragement. I too am a regular, church-going United Methodist. I probably couldn't do it if the United Methodist churches I attend weren't reconciling congregations, open and affirming of LGBT persons.

But the anti-LGBT laws in the United Methodist Book of Discipline do alot of harm, too! The United Methodist Church is one place where the struggle against anti-LGBT spiritual violence is supported by a strong and vocal minority of church members--maybe 30 percent. It's also a church that's very close to the "mainstream" of American culture. The struggle we engage in the church spills over into the rest of the culture.

Change will come. People see folks like you and your partner raising a son, and me and my husband with a grandbaby! The change is happening before our very eyes.

Steven Webster

[Jennifer5]

It's nice to hear! The churches can feel more hurtful then helpful at times... it's nice to be reminded that there are still good people out there in the church.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by PittsburghJeff

A Pastor walked up to me and said "I just wanted to tell you that you and Brian (Partner) have such a beautiful son and you both are doing such a fine job. It is such a joy to see him so happy"

When he walked away, I thanked the Lord for having the opportunity to know him. I felt God's presence in his voice.

God bless that man!

I think seeing two fathers with their child can bring up so many things, none the least of which is church matters- which is the setting here. I'd bet that one issue that is raised by gay parenting for straight folks is their own experience with their fathers. Seeing two loving men raise a child shows one where the bar is. God's presence is there too.

[antiochian]

It's always a joy when people find a church home that accepts them. The Greek Orthodox church to which I belong has a few people who are friendly, but the general atmosphere is unwelcoming. I was fortunate to find a tiny small-town Episcopal church where the people love me, and they know I'm gay! The priest is incredible. If all churches could be like this... The church is supposed to be a hospital, not a psychiatric ward! The church is supposed to be a place we go for healing, not to be degraded or wounded.

[u-dog]

Originally Posted by antiochian

It's always a joy when people find a church home that accepts them. The Greek Orthodox church to which I belong has a few people who are friendly, but the general atmosphere is unwelcoming. I was fortunate to find a tiny small-town Episcopal church where the people love me, and they know I'm gay! The priest is incredible. If all churches could be like this... The church is supposed to be a hospital, not a psychiatric ward! The church is supposed to be a place we go for healing, not to be degraded or wounded.

In the words of Homer Simpson: "Should be ... but isn't" I'm glad you found a community of faith where the love of Jesus is more important than habitual hate. Where Love is.. there also is God.

[Vanessa White]

My partner and I with our daughter have also found a UMC that is embracing toward us. Although our pastor, who is female, has ever stated outright her acknowledgment that we are a committed couple with a child, she baptized our daughter and welcomed us into the church as a complete family. My partner and I both officially joined the church after visiting it for some time, and both of us grew up in the Catholic church, which had been ringing pretty hollow with us in terms of support and love. I don't know that our Pastor would put herself out on the line for LGBT issues and support, because it could put her position at great risk, and she does so much good in what she does. I would not ask it of her either. Sad tome that she could be subject to that type of retaliation if she ever did want to speak up, but I am hopeful that things can change. I have to say it is the first church I have ever attended in my life that I feel embraced in a very genuine way, not just "tolerated". Amen!! PS Thanks for starting this thread Jeff, I believe these persons in the church need acknowledgment as well, blessings to you and your family!!!