I'm new here

[Kathleen]

Hello,

I've just joined soul force. I'm 46 years old and have been Catholic all my life. I am finding it increasingly difficult to remain a part of a group that remains intensely intolerant and is unaccepting of all human beings. I am seriously considering looking fora different religious affiliation. It is difficult though as as I have been active in my parish, and my religion has always been so much a part of my life. I am however finding it increasingly difficult to feel comfortable in my place of worship. Anyone out there who can relate to this situation? Any words of wisdom, or any replies at all would be welcomed! It's nice to be here. Thanks
Kathleen

[Zerbie]

Hello Kathleen - You are welcome here! Glad to have ya!!!

I do not personally relate to your present quandary, but many others will, and they will weigh in shortly, in the morning one supposes. I was raised without any exposure to church, so that kind of community has not been part of my life. I imagine it must be very painful to deal with the present conflict.

You've found a wonderful place with many, many supportive, caring people. These folks are the best! I hope you'll feel at home here and come back and dialogue with us some more.

I wish you all the best.

Welcome!

Zerbie

[schoolboi]

I am very glad you are here! I relate to your situation very well. I grew up Pentecostal. I still consider myself Pentecostal, but I do not feel comfortable in most Pentecostal churches because of my sexual orientation. I often feel homeless. You are in my prayers!

[FrChristopher]

Originally Posted by Kathleen

Hello,

I've just joined soul force. I'm 46 years old and have been Catholic all my life. I am finding it increasingly difficult to remain a part of a group that remains intensely intolerant and is unaccepting of all human beings. I am seriously considering looking fora different religious affiliation. It is difficult though as as I have been active in my parish, and my religion has always been so much a part of my life. I am however finding it increasingly difficult to feel comfortable in my place of worship. Anyone out there who can relate to this situation? Any words of wisdom, or any replies at all would be welcomed! It's nice to be here. Thanks
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,

I found myself in the same situation some years ago! After teaching and working in Roman Catholic parishes for most of my career, I began to research the Independent Catholic churches because I could no longer accept that anyone should be excluded from Communion.

Growing up in the RC church like me, you've probably never heard about Independent Catholics. Founded in the 1700's, Independents now number in the millions. As it was in the Early Church, and before power was consolidated in Rome many centuries later, independent communities are formed around local bishops.

Many Independent Catholic churches, like ours, are welcoming and fully inclusive. We believe that God loves every person equally and that no one should ever feel unwelcome in church!

If you would like to know more about Old/Independent Catholics, here is a great FAQ page: http://www.stfrancisncc.org/indcath.htm

There is also an excellent Independent Movement Database here: http://www.independentmovement.us/in...ement_Database Click on "Current Churches" to find local parishes and communities of the Independent Catholic movement. The database is growing, so check back often as more local resources are added.

Kathleen, you are very much in my prayers as you search for a faith community that makes a place at the Table for everyone!

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

[Emproph]

God Kathleen that’s heart wrenching. I went to Catholic grade school and readily took to Jesus/God and church but got the lesson in dogma early on and got out. But I know there are so many people who genuinely take solace in their religion and their church and the people they know and love there, and that connection is one thing that is definitely missing in my life.

I can’t say I relate to your situation, the only thing that comes to mind for me to say is that you can stay and take a stand and work from within or find a place where you don’t have to work to be accepted. Working from the inside you know you’re making it easier for those who are also within and who may follow but it can be very stressful if you don’t have thick skin so to speak. And working from the outside you have the personal security of knowing you're accepted without question and don't have to live “up” to anyone else’s standards, yet it can be frustrating to feel you’re not doing enough to help the others still trapped. And of course you don't wan't to forsake the bond you already have with those in your church...

OR (and this just came to me ) maybe you could do both. Do you have to give up the one to join the other? Do both and make a stand just by being honest about it. It would say to them exactly what you just wrote in your post above and you wouldn’t have to carry a sign or come “out” or come across as critical. I’m rambling, so...

Welcome to Soulforce Kathleen. If you don’t find what you need here there’s a lot of great people like new guy above, whom I haven’t even said hi to yet (Hey Christopher ), that are more than willing to help lead you in the right direction to get you to where you need to be.

[Jennifer5]

Welcome! Glad to have you here!

[awediot]

Hi Kathleen,

You'll definately find some comfort and some challenge here... I haven't been affiliated with a church for some time, and can't miss what I don't know, but I am a pretty conservative (what ever that means anymore) Christian. Just always remember leaving a church isn't leaving God. (but it is the social bonds that bind which I am missing, right?) Either way, God will be with you in your journey... I welcome you too...

[Kathleen]

Thanks to all of you who have welcomed me. Reading your replies tells me I've come to the right place! Christopher, I have very recently learned of the Independent Catholic Church. It is something I'd like to check out. To all of you who feel you are unwelcome in a church community because of your sexual oriebtation; I am praying for you. I hope you will find a welcoming place to share yourself with others, and always feel at home. I look forward to hearing and sharing more with others
Kathleen

[Lydia]

Welcome, Kathleen. I'm into photography as well.