Hi Robby: This couldn't have come at a better time, as I have been considering leaving my existing church due to the (perceived on my part) intolerance of my identity, which I haven't actually disclosed but they may have "guessed" by now. I have no doubt in my mind that as a Christian, Jesus has asked us to love one another, without conditions, "as we love ourselves". Therefore, I have few problems with my beliefs/church teachings but a lot of paranoia about my "neighbors". My church is in the process of recognizing gay marriages but has had the subject of gay clergy on table for 14 years....slowly moving along. There are several church denominations (I'm Protestant) that have gay clergy & perform gay marriages & have predominately LGBT congregations & are championing LGBT rights. I'm attracted to them but they are some distance from where I live. So, I'm praying about what to do. Would love to hear what others have to say about the topic..."Should I stay or should I go?" Thanks for being here.

Hi Marilyn, sorry it's taken so long for me to get back to you, I have had some major issues going , and it's been rough around here.

Now I would suggest that before you go and leave a church and congregation that you know and love, and I will dare say know and care about if not love , that you find out what they know, and what they care about, and how they do feel about you. Don't make any quick decisions, take your time and make sure you know what you need to do or don't do.

Hi Robby: Oh, for sure!! I am not making any quick decisions about church, except that I am "visiting" other gay-friendly churches in my area just in order to make more friends. I have only been at this particular church for 5 years but it s the denomination I was born into. I also am working with a Spiritual Director/Analyst and discussing my changes with him. Very convenient that he too, is gay and understand the obstacles and how I feel. It was because of his encouragement that I "came out" to my adult son, just last week. That went really well too. My people at church are mainly just social acquaintances and know very little about me. I have done very little with any of them socially except the odd lunch and some church picnics/BBQ's. I've never spoken about my past or my current like/dislikes because I'm a bit of an introvert and that doesn't come easy. They just know that I live on "the other side of the tracks", from an economic standpoint. So, I am taking my time and may remain with one foot in my old church and place one foot in a new church, just so I don't have a lot of explaining to do. Maybe that's wrong but it feels okay just for now.
By the way.....I love your avatar !! My reality is a little different too. Lol Take care.