One of the reasons I think that the gay community doesn't make church a central part of their lives is due to it's exclusive attitude. its nice to see this post about a mainstream Church that seems to understand what a TRUE Christian is. In the Atlanta area I was only able to find 3 churches online that were gay inclusive. I went to one last Sunday and it was what appeared to be an exclusively GAY Church. They were welcoming enough, but the congregation would not normally be the type of people i would associate with on a social basis and that was quite upsetting to me. I am not trying to be a snob about things, I just wish we had more choices in where we are able to worship. We seem very restricted and thats a real shame.

I am thrilled to add this resource to my ever-growing library of materials for becoming an open and affirming church. Our church has just begun discussion of the issue, the first step in the long process that culminates in making a statement of affirmation for all to see.

The recent sermon and class series has opened the door, and now we have to let the dust settle a bit to prevent a knee-jerk resistance to the idea. As our congregation mulls over what they've seen and heard, we will be gathering together those who were strong and vocal in their support, to discover where they see themselves in this effort.

It is a delicate process at first, but I have great hope for our church and for all those churches who are called to be real followers of Christ, showing his grace to all, no matter what.

Christophe, you might benefit spiritually from attending a church where the people are not those you would associate with on a social basis. It can be a good learning experience, if all parties are open and the church is a lively one. It is worthwhile seeing many ways that people inhabit their faith. It sounds as if you attended an MCC church - most members are LGBTA, and most come from conservative evangelical, pentecostal, or sometimes Catholic backgrounds (churches in which there are no officially sanctioned lay-clergy discussions about possibility that being gay isn't a sin). Worship style of some MCC churches can be a bit foreign to people from a liturgical church background.

It's the little gestures that mean so much.

During transition, I attended an Episcopal church in Indianapolis. Even when I wasn't dressed as a proper woman, I was still treated as such. They insisted on being open, affirming, and understanding.

It was the first time I had _ever_ felt welcome at a church.