Mennonites struggle to agree with each other on same-sex marriage

8/7/2015

Sect balks at LGBT rights, even as some individual churches and members embrace them.
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by Kevin Williams - Al Jazerra America

1 Comment

Christopher

6/8/2019 12:19:51 am

I do pray and hope that the Church comes to a place of peace on this issue. It is a chance for the church leadership to lead on the issue while truly showing love, grace and tolerance.
From my earliest memories as a young boy I knew that I was different. I didn't have a word for it or even the vocabulary to Express what it was I was feeling. The boys would all go out to work in the barn or play. I was always more comfortable with the girls helping in the kitchen or caring for the babies. At a very early age I fell in love with the piano and music became my passion.
As I started getting a little older, I would say by the 5th grade I started feeling attracted to various boys in my class. I still really didn't have any words to Express my feelings but I definitely understood that it would not be accepted. I only make that assumption from little comments that I would hear over my early years. I remember wanting to send a valentine's to a boy in my class and my mother telling me that boys don't send boys love valentine's. I remember being so afraid that I had done something really wrong but not fully understanding what I had done.
As I moved into junior high those feelings of same sex attraction only deepened. It during those years that I was molested by an adult male. Its during that time period I became familiar with the words homo, fag, queer, homosexual, gay, sissy and the word that terrified me the most...pedaphile. I was so confused. What did I do wrong? What did this make me? Did I somehow let him know what I was feeling inside?
The family turned to the church, the church turned to the scriptures and the elders in our church. Sadly, the next Sunday most of the kids in the youth group were aware of what had taken place with me. The boys became bullies calling me names, making jokes and poking. I became very depressed, isolated and alone. So confused over what had happened to me and my own confused feelings.
I am an openly gay Male today. I have been with my husband for 21 years. We adopted two boys who were in State care. Today they both have families and doing very well. I have found the United Church of Christ and the Methodist Church to be very understanding and accepting of who I am as a gay man. I don't pretend to have all the answers but I do know this. My being gay was not a choice. God created me. I am a child of God. I don't believe God makes mistakes. The role of the church is to open its doors to the flock. We need to teach Gods Grace, Love and do so without judgment. Jesus didn't judge the prostitute. He showed her compassion, grace,love and his faithfulness. Some pastors may not be ready to preside over the union between a same sex couple, but some pastors may. That too is okay. I won't attend these megachurches with pastors who have million dollar salaries, mansions and yachts. I don't believe that is Jesus would be doing. He would be asking the flock the same question I asked. Were your doors open to the sick, the hungry, the immigrant, or the blind man who sits on the corner asking for help?
I try and live the best life I can. I am not perfect. I am more than just a gay man. I pray that more churches unite with the Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ and others in leading the message that ALL GODS CHILDREN ARE WELCOME. GAY STRAIGHT ABSTINENT LESBIAN

Mennonites struggle to agree with each other on same-sex marriage

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