spiritual question?

Question

I am a member of a 12 step program and have been developing a contact with a God of my understanding for the last year or so. I would like to find a specific place to worship my higher power but I have noticed that a lot of denominations and religions have real trouble with gay/bi men. I have no time for a 'church' like that. My God made me and is cool with who I am I would like to know what religions or denominations are compatible with the whole "of our understanding" thing and are not out to 'cure' gay/bi men

Please waste neither my time nor yours by telling me how God hates gays cuz you aren't God.

I don't take the bible too seriously so I certainly don't care to find a place of worship that does

Answer 1

There are congregations out there that would welcome you wholeheartedly. Where do you live? There is a nice congregation in Indiana...

http://www.jesusmcc.org/

Here is also a gay-friendly church directory:

http://www.gaychurch.org/Find_a_Church/find_a_church.htm

Answer 2

I would recommend Unitarian Universalist churches if you are nonsectarian, or United Church of Christ or liberal Quaker or Metropolitan Community Churches (which is a "gay denomination") if you are looking for something specifically Christian. Other nonhomophobic religions include neopaganism (Wicca for example) and the Buddhist Churches of America (Jodo Shinshu or Shin Buddhism). Note - the Buddhist Churches of America has officially issued a statement supporting gay marriage and equality.

There are other options but they are often determined by individual congregation. The above options are more across the board and consistent on this issue.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

If you want to find a church that will be accepting and perhaps even embrace your homosexuality, you will need to find a church that doesn't take the Bible too seriously. Since you have defined your "higher power" according to your own terms and desires, you won't want a church that is trying to determine what standards God gave to us through the Bible. I'm sure those types of churches exist, but I hesitate to specify a particular denomination and risk offending those churches within the denomination that seek to understand and follow the Word of God. Still, the United Methodist Church is running ads that seem to imply they embrace homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle.

Answer 4

You might check to see if there is a Metropolitan church in your area. They are centered around homosexuals. Depending on where you live, many Episcopal churches are liberal on this issue.

Pastor John

Addendum: A caution about Fish's answer. I'm not sure if he meant it in humor, but it isn't quite true. It is true in that Methodists will receive anybody into membership or allow anyone to attend. However, depending on the church and the part of the country your response would be different. The fact that we welcome anyone doesn't mean that some pastor's, myself included, wouldn't preach the truth about homosexuality. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean because you were there - I simply mean that when the topic comes up we would preach the truth (by truth I mean the Methodist stance that homosexuality is incompatible with scripture, but that the homosexual is a child of God). This would be particularly true in the Bible Belt and outside of major cities.

Answer 5

Within the Presbyterian church, there is a group called "More Light" churches, that are deliberately welcoming to people who are GLBT. They will be cool with who you are, too.

You can find out more about them and see if there is a church in your area at www.mlp.org

I wish you all the best in your 12-step journey and in finding a community of faith where you feel comfortable. God bless.

Answer 6

You should be welcome at all churches. However, that is not always the way it is, is it? Try a contemporary non-denominational church. Hope that helps some :o)

Edit:
I have recently discovered that the United Church of Christ accepts gay/bi men and women.

Answer 7

higher power.... we have been brain washed into thinking the church is the only means of a higher power... I believe in nature as our higher power.... so here are two ways to connect nature.... In a park or a forests.... that is a great place to connect with nature..... another way of getting in touch with nature is sitting before a lit candle and connecting with the spirit of the flame.... Nature don't care if you are gay.... we are all here to create a balance and good health for all.

Answer 8

Hey man. I'm gay and I've found a lot of acceptance with the Quakers, or Society of Friends. I've been to quite a few meetins (what Quakers call "church") around the country and all of them welcomed gay/lesbian/bi/etc people. Some even had official statements of welcome to GLBTs.

Check out your phone book under "Society of Friends" or "Friends Meeting" in your city.

Answer 9

Paganism, Universal Unitarian.

Good luck.

Answer 10

As an alcohol and drug counselor, I encourage people to find sacred spaces of their own. A place visited by you alone, where you can make conscious contact with whatever your higher power is.