I suppose.

[Gregory_de_Bois]

I have never really introduced myself. I suppose this is due, in part, to keeping myself safe. I am not out to my family, only a few friends, and could be kicked out of my school should they find out. I've been here a while, but I suppose this is my introduction.

I'm a high school student and am thankfully no longer struggling with reconciling my sexuality with my faith. I have some of the best friends who are so accepting of me and I am so thankful for them. I am also so very thankful for the lot of you here. Because of you, I have been able to better accept who I am and better understand the world around. I cannot express my gratitude towards you all.

I want to be a priest in the Anglican Communion (i.e. the Episcopal Church) and feel called into the ministry. I have always had the desire to be in some sort of ministry, and am trying to work this all out right now. Thankfully there are a few welcoming churches near me.

Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully I will be able to tell you more about myself later on in time, but security is an issue right now.

Namaste,

Greg

[Zerbie]

Then consider this your official Welcome, though as you know you have always been welcomed with open hearts/arms here.

So glad that you have benefitted from these conversations and have been coming through the journey with your whole self. Best to you and all in your wonderful aspirations.

Continue to be safe. You're loved.

[Daniel]

She beat me to it, that batgirl.....always hanging around!

Greg- consider yourself secondly 'offically' welcomed.

Oh God....here it comes......I cring at what I am about to write, but here goes....

When I was your age I wanted to be a priest too. Even had a line to that effect under my picture in my high school year book.

Well....it didn't happen. For many reasons, the first of which is I got serious about music.

What I'm actually trying to get at- in a rather clumsy way- is that whether you actually become a priest or not may not be the most important matter, though having it as your goal is - I believe- excellent.

What stood out in your post was this sentence....

Originally Posted by Greg

I have always had the desire to be in some sort of ministry, and am trying to work this all out right now.

It's the 'some sort' part of the sentence that grabbed my attention. I have no doubt whatsoever that you will achieve your desire. However, what it looks like when you have more years of experience and have tested your metal is another matter entirely.

And it's the trying to figure it out part that's probably the important part. And exciting.

I salute you for putting your desire out in the open. That speaks well of you, and I believe the universe will answer you.

[BenL]

Greg,

You predate me by 10 or 11 months on the forums, so I presumed you were an old-timer, in tenure, not in age. I, too, wanted to be a priest (in the RC tradition) and even entered a religious order in my youth (a looong time ago). I left and eventually landed in the Episcopal Church. That was 37 years ago. As Daniel said, the important part is ministry. It's what we're all called to, even atheists and agnostics, to serve each other in this human family.

I have no doubt you will succeed in ministry. What the form is and whether you're in ordained ministry is secondary. Keep yourself open to the Spirit.

And, oh, yes, welcome to Soulforce!

[Vanessa White]

First of all Gregory, WELCOME, even though your posts have been present for a while. Glad that you made it "official", it's never too late to do that! I agree with Udog, and the others, that a person comes to know his/her calling or ministry the more one develops, through life and throughout the processes of life. I have always believed in my own calling, when I was in college, I thought that was to be a nun in the Catholic traditions; luckily, I decided to heed the call in other ways. Service to my human brothers and sisters, as well as speaking my truth for others to benefit, I truly see that as my ministry. I am so glad for you that we here on the forums have helped you so far in your journeys...... peace, Vanessa

[Gregory_de_Bois]

Thanks you all.

Daniel, I suppose I should say that I have always felt called to be a pastor or something along those lines. At times it has seemed that I was supposed to be a politician, but not so much so recently.

Udog, I certainly hope so. I haven't exactly told my parents I want to be a priest, they are the Evangelical sort and aren't exactly fond of the Episcopal Church. Oh well.

God is Good.

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Greg,

I have always appreciated your posts. I have also admired your sensitivity and insights.

You know I never did write one of these "Hello" posts either. Probably too late now.

I hope the dream of being an Episcopal priest works out for you. I think it would be a fulfilling calling. Whatever your path in life; I pray that God will be with you all the way.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Pablo Rafael

Hi Greg,



You know I never did write one of these "Hello" posts either. Probably too late now.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

What!?

Hey, who are you? Why not introduce yourself and let us know who we're talking to?

[Jennifer5]

An overdue welcome to you!