Comments on: Finding Place in this Church [UPDATED]

By: Wjmacp

Wjmacp — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:19:00 +0000

I’m new to this blog and have enjoyed it immensely. But I never searched this far back into the archives to read all of this. But my brother Bill told me to search out this story.

I grew up in the Covenant in the Attleboro, Mass. church. I did it all: Sunday School, Confirmation, VBS, Youth Groups, etc. But I left it when I came out in college almost 40 years ago. I am now an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ. All of these stories have been so meaningful to me because I left the church when I came out. But I’m still a Covenanter in some way because what I learned as a child has stayed with me and informs my ministry to this day.

So thank you, Andrew, and to your father for writing more recently. If I have the details “straight,” I know your parents – and knew your maternal grandparents. Tack sa mycket. (Forgive the spelling if I’m wrong.)

By: Lorian

Lorian — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 04:22:19 +0000

Incidentally, just a short introduction of myself:

I am a North Park graduate. I was raised in the Assembly of God (fundamentalist pentecostal), and became an Episcopalian during my years at North Park, though I attended Covenant churches quite a bit during those years. I am now a member of an Open and Affirming congregation within the United Church of Christ. I am a very open lesbian, married (in California) to my partner of 20 years. We are parents to our twin 9-year-old daughters, Ruth and Rose.

By: Lorian

Lorian — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 04:15:14 +0000

Andrew, in light of your update, do you have any information as to whether the Companion will be publishing your letter (assuming you re-sent and they received it)?

By: Jim

Jim — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:54:45 +0000

Having been out of circulation for awhile, I’d begun an informal survey of some friends, participants of a below an ECC radar movement, those who had put effort into the movement and some whose church affiliation was at stake. All, yes all so far said in one way or another: “I’m tired. I’ve found a welcoming church home elsewhere. I don’t need the frustration. I don’t see any hope for LGBTs in the ECC.” Paul is right. We can’t afford to lose you. We can’t afford to lose those losing hope whom I’ve met recently. Thank you Andrew! Maybe hope for LGBTs within the ECC is not so remote.

By: Jim Anderson

Jim Anderson — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 02:14:14 +0000

Andrew: When I saw in Robin’s post the words “Pastor Freeman” I was immediately sent back 33+ years to when I heard those words daily at First Covenant Church in Omaha. Your grandfather, the Pastor Freeman I knew then, would be very proud of you. He was a progressive, in words and actions, ahead of his times in many ways in the Covenant Church, and truly an inclusive person. I’m quite sure he would have been “open and affirming” had he been here now. He stood among great Covenant leaders of his time, people who would be surprised and sorrowful that we might be “closed and discouraging” to anyone. I’m confident Pastor William Freeman would have loved you very much and supported you wholly. You have a good heritage.

By: Ellen Perkins Simpson

Ellen Perkins Simpson — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:24:38 +0000

Andrew, I don’t know you but am nevertheless awed by your courage. I have the honor of knowing Phil and Becky as they have served on the board of directors of The Friendship Center where I am Executive Director. Just yesterday we exchanged hugs at our Annual Meeting. I love so many members of the Covenant Church in Berlin. I pray for you as you begin a discussion that won’t be easy for many. But I know your church to be a church of extraordinary grace and sharing. Your conversations may be sprinkled with tears but God will be with you in the journey because you are so open to God’s presence in your lives. Because of this, you have given abundantly, more than any other faith community, to the children of God the Friendship Center serves.

As a member of an Open and Affirming UCC Church, if I can ever be of service to you in your conversations, or just in a private conversation, I would be honored.

By: Matt B

Matt B — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:37:44 +0000

Andrew (and Phil)
Thank you for starting this blog, and for your honesty. This is a difficult subject; one that I have wrestled with for years. When I joined the Covenant Church, the same Covenant Church that you grew up in, Andrew, I made sure that my pastor knew I was gay. I could not join a Church that excluded gay men and women. Even though I kept my sexuality somewhat quiet, as did my friends in the Church who knew, a select few found a ways to marginalize me and make me, if fact, a second class Covenantor. How can we help others like us, and help bring all men and women to God, if we ourselves are put to the back?
I would like to think that my experience has not shaken my faith in God. I still seek a Spirit-filled Church and am grateful for my many friends within the Church. But I would be less than honest if I didn’t admit that my experience in our little Church in the center of CT hasn’t shaken my faith in other Christians. I find I have trouble believing others when they say their church is open and accepting. (Really Brother, prove it!) And I am troubled by the fact that I don’t believe other Christians. (If you can’t trust your Brothers and Sisters in Christ, who can you trust?)
I know no one is perfect (me first of all), we all make mistakes, we all sin and fall short of God’s glory. But I do hope I live to see the day when the Christian Church realizes just that: We are ALL sinners, we ALL fall short of God’s glory, and Jesus came to earth to save ALL sinner.

Brothers, I don’t know where the road I’m on will lead me. I do hope I get to see you again before this life is through, but if not I know we will meet again all the same.

By: Rev. Johnny Agurkis

Rev. Johnny Agurkis — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:07:18 +0000

In reply to Becky Poor. Well said Becky! Well said!!!

By: Robin Nilson

Robin Nilson — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:56:43 +0000

Thank you, Pastor Freeman for your words to us. You have become another prophetic voice in our Covenant History, and in our world. thank you, thank you for modeling vulnerability, authenticity and generosity. We are all searching for the person we were created by God to be, and praying for God’s grace to actually live out God’s call upon our lives. May you feel the Spirits guidance in your ministry!

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:44:29 +0000

In reply to Ken Carlson. Amen :)