Hello, my name is Craig Merrihue

[cmerrihue]

Hi, I'm Craig-just learned about Soulforce last night while viewing "For the Bible Tells Me So" in my Episcopalian Bible Study. I live in Southern California, father of 6 in a racially and gender-preference diverse family. Kids are past 18 and I've re-entered college to pursue religious studies and attend the Episcopal seminary. I grew up in New Orleans during the civil rights era, and it's "like deja vu all over again." This is an issue I care intensely about, and one that's going to entail a good bit of work and committment. I'm very interested in taking a religious approach in addressing church-based homophobia and the Bible idolatry which underpins it. I've done a good bit of neighborhood activism in the past, and even ran for a seat on the Anaheim city council. I have come to favor a strong spiritual orientation in re-inventing community in the 21st century, and am impressed by what I have seen of Soulforce (including the logo!).

[BenL]

Welcome, Craig, from another Episcopalian, but from the opposite end of the country. Your CV sounds quite impressive, and you goals quite laudable. Good luck on your studies and your vocational discernment.

I'm intrigued by your phrase "gender-preference diverse family." I'm a gay man married to an FTM, so I've had my own version of gender-bending, or as Feinstein would say, "gender outlaw." I'd be interested in hearing what you mean by that.

Glad you're here.

Edit: I just noticed in your profile that you share a birthday with my son, so I feel like you're family already.

[Gennee]

Hi Craig and welcome to the forum. Success in your future studies.

Gennee

[Pablo Rafael]

Welcome to the forums. For the Bible Tells Me So is a great film. I wish everyone could watch it.

I think most prejudice against LGBT individuals is religion based. I don't quite understand what gain religious groups get from being so anti-gay. Maybe it is just the advantage of having someone to call an enemy.

i moved to Colorado from Southern California 15 years ago. I lived in Hollywood (you are going to offer condolences, I know), but it was a great place to be for a young guy right out of college.

I must say that I have been very warmly welcomed by my Episcopal congregation. The Episcopalians have really been the leader in gay rights issues and have taken a lot of the casualties in the battle. GO PISKIES!!!

[cmerrihue]

Thanks, guys--I'm fellin' mighty welcome! The "gender preference diversity" tag is my a-little awkward way of saying members of my family have different sexual preferences-gay, lesbian, etc. My eldest daughter, e.g., never had to "come out"--it was more a smooth slide as she figured it out herself; the environment was more than open, it was embracing. I love the "Go Piskies!" lauding the Episcopalian stance on gay marriage--I'm gonna be using that one!

[coavonia73]

Hello Robert,

Welcome to the group, this is a great place for pen turners