Last week, I attended a program relating to sexuality and faith seen through the eyes of GLBT Christians. I attended because this segment of the population has been ostracized from the Catholic Church and we all are responsible for it .... whether it is through outward acts or by silently allowing the discrimination.
There were approximately 40 people of all ages and the majority were gay and lesbians. The panel consisted of:
- 40+ year old, gay man who was in a committed relationship for 10+years
- 30+ year old, lesbian who was not currently in a relationship
- straight, 30+ year old woman was felt called to work within the GLBT community
- 40+ year old, gay man who lived a celibate lifestyle because he believes in the Catholic Church's view of human sexuality.
Each person talked for 10 minutes about their faith, their search for a safe worshipping community and how their sexuality has changed their lives and perspective of God. I could easily have listened to them for another hour. Many struggled with their sexuality and the ramifications of 'coming out.' Each had a powerful story and showed a strength of faith which can only come from God.
We broke into small groups and with a facilitator talked about our reactions to the panel presentation and also our own feelings.
Some thoughts:
- People do not choose to be gay or lesbian. (Who in their right mind would ask for the blatant discrimination and hated?) It is how they were biochemically designed.
- A woman my age spoke of the desire to form a committed relationship; values which are not different than my own.
- One participant talked about her marriage and how she 'came out' two years ago. Her husband is supporting her and they are raising their children together. (That is truly a reflection of God's love).
- I have a responsibility to welcome and support those who seek to worship in community.
The future will see how I incorporate this into my life.
p.s. I learned to use the acronym GLBT to talk about the group as a whole. :-)
