Issues with the Church continued...

[squishykat]

So now our vicar has declared his interest in mine and M's relationship. I'm going back to university in a couple of weeks to do a masters (eeh! v. excited!) and M is coming with me (yay!). We discussed it, and M thought about it for a long time. It'll be the first time he's leaving home and he has to find some kind of work too, so there's lots of

Comments

[stella_notecor]

It gets harder and harder to be a Christian in today's world. I have a lot of trouble balancing my faith and my interests... especially since one of my main interests is gay romance novels! All I can say is to ignore things that are obviously against God (Really, God hates gays even though he made them and loves all his children no matter what? Hmm, where's the logic in that?) and try to be patient while Christianity comes to terms with the changing world.

Oh, and M did a lovely job creating a patient and gracious email. He was much nicer than I would been!

Also, hi from a lurker! I read every post that comes across my flist but only comment when passionate, lol. =)

[squishykat]

Hello! Always nice to hear from people! Mostly I lurk too lol.

I do find it hard to be a Christian, not in the way of living a hard life but in the way of reconciling with the crappy behaviour of many other outspoken Christians. It's meant I've been drifting from it for quite a while which also makes me sad.

I will continue to persevere, though that won't stop me from wanting to change things for the better somehow!

Also I hear you with the interest-balancing...

He did do a lovely job, I was pleasantly surprised lol.

[spangielka]

She's alive! :)

I was also speechless after reading the vicar's letter. I realize that the church must look somewhat differently here and in England but really, this is way out of line by any standards.
Anyway, I loved M's reply. Very civilized, still obviously a firm stand about the two of you making your own decisions.

I won't even begin a long tale of me and the church or faith in general. But I get what you're going through very well, and I know how frustrating this can be.
I just wish more Christians were as open-mined as you are.

Also, I am very excited for your going, I hope you and M. will have a lovely time. Fingers crossed for your studies, have fun!

[squishykat]

Just about still in the land of the living, this last month has been busy like you wouldn't believe!

Thank you for your kind words and understanding. I'm lucky to have friends and family for support for when the church is not measuring up.

I hope I'll have a lovely time too lol. I'm very excited by it! Also, I do have plans to read your BB properly, though probably not for the next couple of weeks lol. So many things to do...

Are you back at university this year too?

[spangielka]

Hah, it's very nice of you to include my BB in your plans.
It will be here whenever you have time.

About university, yes, my classes start in October.

[rthstewart]

I thought your observations about the church's increasing masculine bent very interesting and it appears right on the mark. After I resigned from the American Catholic Church this spring, I got an email from the liturgical director who said that it was sometimes hard to remember that God and the hierarchy are not necessarily the same. As your other reader said up above, it's amazing how difficult authority can make it to stay in a community when you feel marginalized and constantly criticized. You and M were thoughtful and measured -- far more generous than the vicar deserved and good riddance, though these things are often not without pain and difficulty.

Good luck with uni!

[squishykat]

Thank you!

Yes, I think we'll be quite careful checking out new churches in Cardiff! It is quite sad to be leaving, we've both been there for years, but I think the time has come really.