tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post8232120743007422500..comments2023-10-29T07:46:33.670-05:00Comments on The Ambassador Riposte: Being Away...Ambassadorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10247275710520088564noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-51738036388464366622008-08-07T20:03:00.000-05:002008-08-07T20:03:00.000-05:00I'd say join the Presbyterians in NY or Episcopali...I'd say join the Presbyterians in NY or Episcopalians in DC but that would pose geographic problems. Very much sucks - I would hate to denied membership based on who I love. So unreal.Flower Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08611806187828172442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-10803364585216044512008-08-05T10:29:00.000-05:002008-08-05T10:29:00.000-05:00So I'm only just now weighing in since the events ...So I'm only just now weighing in since the events of July 27th have me in a tailspin. Could your timing have been more spooky?<BR/><BR/>I actually do think people need to pay attention to what their "big church" says. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to be surrounded by "cafeteria" religious people - people who pick and chose what they like about their religion but don't follow what they don't like - and have them defend their churches. If you believe in birth control, the right to marry who you love, and the right of others to believe what they want/need, then you need to either challenge your church from the inside or leave.<BR/><BR/>I am sorry for the Methodist Church. They are losing a terrific man.soccer mom in denialhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15779961065417497337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-70077261642554953632008-07-28T10:20:00.000-05:002008-07-28T10:20:00.000-05:00PM - It seems like the UMC has done nothing BUT ta...PM - It seems like the UMC has done nothing BUT talk about it for the last 20-30 years. "Now let's form a committee to plan a way to forge a dialogue that won't make any changes to the Doctrine, but will make it seem like we are addressing the issue but not really."<BR/><BR/>Really. This is a "Duh!" issue. What year is this? For me, it really has come down to this: either you want me there, or you don't. Which is it?<BR/><BR/>And don't get me wrong - I don't feel like I have to be a part of any congregation to still be a person of faith, living in grace. It's never been that way for me.<BR/><BR/>Jenn - Can I just tell you how much I adore you? One of the great gifts of friendships is to be able to feel passionately indignant on the other's behalf. Thank you for that - can't wait to see how this appears for you in a post soon...<BR/><BR/>KAmbassadorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10247275710520088564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-11108057297451009702008-07-28T05:01:00.000-05:002008-07-28T05:01:00.000-05:00(and by folks like us, I am of course referring to...(and by folks like us, I am of course referring to "THOSE WITH BIG MINDS") ahem.Jenn in Hollandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02356887577439040747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-29060035728346037752008-07-28T05:00:00.000-05:002008-07-28T05:00:00.000-05:00So, I've been thinking about this all night and da...So, I've been thinking about this all night and day (even as we are traveling to holiday destination) and though I don't have anything new to say, I wanted to tell you that I am still fuming over the notion. I shouldn't be since really the 'doctrine' is not a surprise to me, but why-oh-why can't our (society) minds catch up and grasp reality? <BR/>Y'know, as soon as you start a church of your own where ALL are welcome to worship, be ordained and have full communion and fellowship, I will be right there at your side.<BR/>Folks like us need a place. I am telling you.Jenn in Hollandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02356887577439040747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-82654712497693557802008-07-27T19:54:00.000-05:002008-07-27T19:54:00.000-05:00Jenn - Thanks for the affirmation. Ha! I just made...Jenn - <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the affirmation. Ha! I just made myself laugh with that one. Oh, well...<BR/><BR/>It's still almost not real to me - I got an email last week from the pastor, reaching out to me, wanting to know if she had done or said anything wrong. I wrote back to her, and some of that made into this post...but, oddly, I still haven't gotten a reply from her.<BR/><BR/>Draw your own conclusion to that.<BR/><BR/>Jodi - good to hear from you too. Insane, and hypocritical. Ah, sweet hypocrisy...Ambassadorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10247275710520088564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-69027304796159420382008-07-27T19:09:00.000-05:002008-07-27T19:09:00.000-05:00Unfortunately the Lutherans are the same. I know ...Unfortunately the Lutherans are the same. I know at least one fantastic pastor who left the ministry because of it (when he left his congregation was like "dude, we all knew you were gay and that C was more than your friend, we don't care! come back!") I think Episcopals are the only mainline denomination that aren't. I do believe that the UMC has a reconciling ministry that is trying to open up the church and change it's official stance, yes? have you tried getting involved with them? maybe that would help to direct your hurt in a positive way. it's so hard because we are called to be in community, but when a community is so biased against a part of itself, well... i don't know. the best thing I can say is to try to effect change in that community.<BR/><BR/>one thing I have found in the church is that you have to find the congregation that fits you, and sometimes the greater church does things that pisses you off to no end, but I believe that God calls us to stay and work within that.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad you are not losing faith over this. As you know I strongly believe that God loves you just the way you are. I think your congregation does, too.<BR/><BR/>And that quote... I may have heard it before. If not I've heard similar sentiments elsewhere (actually, I read a book about a woman whose son was gay and she wrote it after he died, something with bobby in the title... oh, I can't remember! anyhow, that's where I seem to associate that idea with)<BR/><BR/>it's nice to have you back, and writing thought provoking posts, no less! :)painted maypolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06446625015003854710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-44180343682030792242008-07-27T17:10:00.000-05:002008-07-27T17:10:00.000-05:00That is insane. There is noting else to say.Glad ...That is insane. There is noting else to say.<BR/><BR/>Glad to have you back in the blogging world.jodifurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02436403330073542241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18382503.post-39779794266304783322008-07-27T12:51:00.000-05:002008-07-27T12:51:00.000-05:00Hesitating as I open this comment box to type so I...Hesitating as I open this comment box to type so I don't leave a post length comment in this section... Breathe.... And...<BR/>Shit. I hate this. I really, really hate this. Why this is an issue is so far beyond my understanding. I am actually hardly able to get my mind around it anymore to be honest: this archaic idea that homosexuality is wrong, odd, or unwelcome. Get a fuckin' clue world! Embrace us all for who we are. I believe God does, I really do. And by god I don't mean that guy in the "CHURCH" mind you, BUT <I>GOD</I> that which is grander than our understanding, and that which doesn't have stupid arbitrary rules of acceptable behavior and a strict code of conduct to which we must conform.<BR/>I am mad for you Ambassador. This is the issue over which I left my church too and to be honest this issue lost me my faith as well.<BR/><BR/>Hmmm...still so much to say and yet I will shut up now.<BR/>But I am fuming.Jenn in Hollandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02356887577439040747noreply@blogger.com