Benj, you have given us all first-hand insight, and I am so thankful. Your statements (and Andrew’s) give us courage and help us to focus on what must be done to make this world a better place without oppression and discrimination–especially in our churches, especially in our Covenant churches.

I find your statement on how you know that homosexuality is not a sin most helpful. In my relationships with homosexuals, that fact has been most clear. Once, someone at a forum on homosexuality said something like, “Why would I choose this painful life? It is not a choice.” While I knew this logically, hearing it and looking into his eyes made it real. With that statement resonating within me, I think, too, of the one thing I know most truly–God loves everyone. God would not create a “sinful” person on purpose to live a life of pain. WE have inflicted the pain and oppression. God wants us to reach out, accept, and love. Jesus did. Can you imagine Jesus standing at the doors of our churches telling homosexuals that they are not welcome? Can you imagine him saying, “Shhhh. Just don’t tell anyone, OK?” I can’t.

I am deeply moved and in awe by your story, your openness, and your deep insight. You are right, homosexuality is not a sin, it is not a choice one makes. It is who you are, a child of God, deeply loved by our Lord, and welcomed fully into the Body of Christ that I know and love. I pray that you will experience in every way that welcome and acceptance! God bless you!