Hello from Scotland

[polycarp]

Hey folks

My name is Malcolm and I came out 3 years ago. I was brought up in a strict Presbyterian Church similar to the Reformed Presbyterians in the US. I became a Christian when I was 8 but struggled with same sex attraction as a teenager. I didnt understand about being gay and I never made the link since I'd been told gay people chose that lifestyle as a sign of how wicked they were and how against God they are. I thought it was a phase, a spiritual attack or a besetting sin.

I was accepted for the ministry and got married - thinking it would all be ok and after marriage my feelings would go. Of course, this never happened. After a few years I realised that the feelings had not gone and i had not developed sexual attraction to my wife. I came across the website of Dr Roy Clements - previously a leading evangelical in the UK - who had been outed in 1999. I discovered that there were gay people who had not given up their faith. This started my journey to embracing my sexuality as a God given gift.
Hugs, Malcolm

[Jennifer5]

Welcome Malcolm!

It sounds like you've gone through quite the journey. I'm glad that you found us.

How old are you out of curiosity?

Hope to see you around the forums!

[Gennee]

Hi Malcolm and welcome. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful post. Yes, God loves love you as a gay man. And so do I.

Gennee

[tdogg]

Hi Malcolm! Welcome to Soulforce forums. Glad you found your way here. Scotland is one of my favorite places (although I'm not all that well traveled) and Glasgow my favorite city so far. I love it!

I am working with a group of folks in my area to bridge the gap between the GLBT and faith communities. I am hoping that in the future, I can bring what we are doing to the UK and other places abroad. But first staring local, spreading out thru the state and the US. We are training others to bring a course into their churches, meant as a means to create constructive and kind dialogue about GLBT people and marriage equality.

Anyways, a lofty goal that is a bit far off. But who knows, someday perhaps I'll get to meet you in Scotland!! Welcome and hope you stay around and share more with us. You'll find many friends here.

[Gregory_de_Bois]

Welcome, Malcom. What an interesting story.

[offog]

Hi Malcom!

Greetings from a Canadian. A fellow I chatted with at a party a couple of months ago told me he'd been travelling in Great Britain. He said he hated London but Scotland is really cool.

I'm actually a straight woman, but I have gay friends and actively support the GLBT cause. I wish you luck with your "journey".