I don’t like homophobic people coming along and saying something different from what I know to be true in my own experience – that God loves diversity and that God loves me.
What I have learned is that there are churches where people really do care about being gay and Christian. The Good News of Jesus Christ is alive and well in such churches. In Jesus – his compassion for all – God reaches out to every needy soul. God says, you are accepted, you are loved and you are mine.
One of the first affirming churches I found was the Metropolitan Community Church at Petersham. I’ve also had positive experiences at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Newtown, and St Luke’s Anglican Church in Enmore. I’m currently a member at South Sydney Uniting Church in Waterloo, where I contribute to the pastoral ministry and have a role in regular worship – without any shame or guilt whatsoever.
I would strongly encourage any GLBTIQ reader to consider the message of love as expressed in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Visit an affirming church and meet loving people.
Ian Bayly
Waterloo
