Episcopalian in Colorado

[Episcopalian]

Hello everybody.

I appreciate having this opportunity to be a part of the Community Forum on Soulforce.org. In the coming weeks, I intend to post links to articles pertaining to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church which begins today, Monday the 12th of June, 2006.

Many of you may already be aware of the current controversy within the Episcopal Church surrounding the consecration of the Church's first, openly gay Bishop, Gene Robinson (see this link: http://www.soulforce.org/article/93). There is much speculation about what will come from this year's Convention. And while it is widely thought that the Church will refrain from any serious changes of doctrine or practice, there is always the chance that significant change could occur.

I will likely be learning a great deal about my denomination, and my own faith, as I post on this forum, and I look forward to the exploration.

May God's blessing be with you all.

[Daniel]

Hi Episcopalian,

Welcome to the forum! I look forward to your 'reports' of the General Convention and any links/articles you will post. You might do this on the 'other' side where it will be sure to be noticed.

My hubby plays in an Episcoplian church here in the greater NYC area- the Rev there and his hubby are attending the Convention. Small world, isn't it? Me? I've been in the choir (professionally) for many years and am newly - and happily- retired. The view from the pew is a nice one.

[Lydia]

Hi, Episcopalian. Welcome.

I spent part of my childhood in Laramie.

[Episcopalian]

Thank you, Lydia and Daniel for your greetings. I appreciate the hospitality.

Daniel, I take it that the "other" side would be the "Main Forum" (forgive me...I'm still new at Forum posting). I've posted a few links on that board which I found this afternoon: one provides a history of the General Convention, tracing it back to 1785; the second takes a look at two issues that will likely dominate the convention this year. More posts will come soon.

Lydia - I've never been to Laramie, but I've heard nice things about it. By the way, I LOVE your quote. It gave me a good laugh.

[Zerbie]

Welcome Colorado Episcopal!

Glad you found us. Hope to see more of you around here.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Episcopalian

Daniel, I take it that the "other" side would be the "Main Forum" (forgive me...I'm still new at Forum posting). I've posted a few links on that board which I found this afternoon: one provides a history of the General Convention, tracing it back to 1785; the second takes a look at two issues that will likely dominate the convention this year. More posts will come soon..

Yep....you found it! Hope this is a positive and forward moving week at the Convention.

[Episcopalian]

Thank you, Zerbie, and thank you again, Daniel. The warm welcome is good for my soul.

I realized that my first post didn't offer a whole lot of information about myself, so I thought I'd give a little more background:

I was born and raised in Colorado, and I am, as they say, a "cradle" Episcopalian. I come from a large, loud, loving family, to whom I've been out for the past 10 years.

Coming out young was a challenge, and I've wrestled back and forth with conflicting ideas about what it is to be gay and a man of faith. Despite what is being preached from many pulpits across the nation - across the world - I don't see the two as being inherently contradictory. There is a connection between the way that I love, and the way that I am loved by God. This connection is deeply personal, and it is as real as the air that I breathe.

I am in love with a wonderful man. He is supportive of my faith; in fact, his presence in my life is a true testimony of Divine Providence. He gives more to me through being himself than I could have ever asked for. He has a wonderful daughter that I am growing very close to, and I have been welcomed fully into his family. Blessings abound everywhere. At times, it is overwhelming.

I believe in what Soulforce is doing. I believe in ecumenical dialogue. I believe in the transformative power of love, and I have faith that one day the eyes of the blind will be opened to the true reality of God in the world. Through love, all things are possible: this is my strongest conviction, and I speak it directly from my heart.

[Zerbie]

What a beautiful message!

No, not contradictory at all. The ability to give and receive human love is interwoven with the ability to receive divine love.

So, I gather you came out at 17? My, that IS young.

I have never successfully communicated to my parents what I am. Tried when I was 8 or 9 or so - monumental disaster. Tried again at 24, but came out as the wrong thing (I'm bi, and I came out as lesbian - long story ). When I came out as bi, I never did clarify that for my parents - communication with them hasbn't been the best.

Your relationship sounds wonderful! I'm glad his family is welcoming. That is VERY important.

I'm glad you joined us, it's been great meeting you. Seeya around the main forum soon!

Zerbie

PS: I have a feeling you are going to really enjoy some of the conversations we get into about God, love, perception, etc. . .

[schoolboi]

Welcome! What parish do you go to in Denver? I attended St Andrew's downtown when I was in Denver for about 6 months in 2000.

[Episcopalian]

Hello Corey. Thank you for welcoming me.

I attend St. John's Cathedral, in downtown Denver. It's a beautiful building and wonderfull community. Check out their website to find out more about the parish, or read The Open Door, the church's monthly publication. The cover page contains a wonderful post from the Dean regarding the General Convention.

[Jennifer5]

Welcome!!

[nowvoyager]

I add my welcome to you too, Episcopalian, from one newbie to another. I enjoyed your lovely post.
I didn't grow up in a faith family but God came to me early anyway. When I came out and realised how traditional christianity viewed me, like you I wrestled about being gay and of faith. I kinda threw the baby out with the bathwater and declared myself an athiest -- but that didn't make me happy and I knew it wasn't true. Fortunately I met some angels (in other people of faith), and read a lot, and read some more (thank you Spong), and found God waiting again for me at the other end. I've been a bit cranky with the mainstream Church since then, but not with God.
So I don't see it as contradictory, either, just that many of those preachers in the pulpit haven't yet seen really the divine spark in their LG listeners.
Look forward to talking with you more.

[Episcopalian]

Thank you for your welcome, Nowvoyager. May God's blessings fill your life with joy.

[awediot]

Been away from the boards a few weeks and trying to catch up a bit. Glad to see you posting and sorry to see your lesson in patience drag on, but I guess if any lesson is gonna do that, thats the one... I'm about 50 miles N of Denver in the Fort. Nice to a "local" Rocky voice out there

Dean/Awediot