Acceptence At Church

[Gina Taylor]

SInce I am going full time next year, which is just 12 weeks away, I've decided to write my pastor a letter telling him what I'm doing.  I've been going to a United Methodist church for the past 18 years and I hope that they're an open minded church and won't mind the change in me. If needs be, I'll talk to anyone of the congregation, and I'll set them straight.

[LordKAT]

Good luck.

[Jessica Merriman]

You go BFF. Hope your experience is better than mine was. Always here for you little sister!

[Gina Taylor]

Thanks for the on going support from my family of sisters 

[Eva Marie]

I'm facing the same issue with my church. When the time is right I'm going to schedule a meeting with the pastor and ask him what the church's position is about transgender people. This church is in southern California and the motto is "come as you are; we don't care what you wear" so I'd guess that maybe it would be OK; if not I'll find another church.

Trans people need a place to worship too and it's sad that so many of us are turned away.

Gina - have you thought about just sitting down and having a chat with the pastor about this?

[Gina Taylor]

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through some of the same things that I might be going through. I arrived a little late and wasn't able to give my pastor the letter, so I'm saving it for next week. But I'm really glad to hear that you have the courage to schedule a meeting with your pastor to discuss your issues. I could do the same, but our pastor is very busy.   

Just like it says in the bible, "As long as there is three or more in the church I will be there." And it doesn't say anything about how we should be dressed. 

But you know if it does come down to it, I will find another church to go to, since we have plenty of them where I live.

I agree with you 100% that Trans people need a place to worship too and it's sad that so many of us are turned away. Unfortunately look what happeend to Sodom and Gamorrah!


I told a friend about my plans tonight and he was brought up through the teachings of the Catholic (but he's been going to a United Methodist church) and he tells me that it isn't what he has learnt and that what I am doing is wrong. I had to tell him that what I am doing I am doing for myself to be able to live better with myself for my own peace of mind and happiness. 

[Constance]

I hope it goes well for you. My church has been great, and I've really been able to take refuge there during my transition related hardships.

[Gina Taylor]

I've been thinking about what Eva Marie said, and I may just see if my pastor can see me for a little time so that I can actually talk with him. 

[Eva Marie]

I've been thinking about what Eva Marie said, and I may just see if my pastor can see me for a little time so that I can actually talk with him. 

The pastor should make time for you - you are a member of his congregation and that's part of his caring for his flock. The letter writing thing can get unwieldy and you and he can wind up going back and forth if he has questions. Meet face to face and settle it on the spot.

As far as your friend goes - ask him what verses back up his assertion that what you are doing is wrong  even Pat Robertson was quoted recently as saying that being transgender is not a sin.

[Gina Taylor]

The pastor should make time for you - you are a member of his congregation and that's part of his caring for his flock. The letter writing thing can get unwieldy and you and he can wind up going back and forth if he has questions. Meet face to face and settle it on the spot.

As far as your friend goes - ask him what verses back up his assertion that what you are doing is wrong  even Pat Robertson was quoted recently as saying that being transgender is not a sin.

My exact thoughts Eva Marie. He should be able to give me a half hour to talk with him. 

And I will speak to my friend. Thanks for the advise. 

[Michelle-G]

I began attending a United Methodist church for the very reason that this particular church is an LGBT friendly church.  In fact, this church is not only accepting, they actually celebrate the inclusion of LGBT folks in everything.  My pastor was the first person I ever came out to, and it's been wonderful to be there.

Let us know how it goes for you.

[Gina Taylor]

I bagan attending a United Methodist church for the very reason that this particular church is an LGBT friendly church.  In fact, this church is not only accepting, they actually celebrate the inclusion of LGBT folks in everything.  My pastor was the first person I ever came out to, and it's been wonderful to be there.

Let us know how it goes for you.

Tht's very inspiring. Thanks for the information Michelle-G. It now gives me a bit more courage to speak with him. 

[Eva Marie]

Gina - another possibility that might exist for you if you can't resolve things with your pastor is a UCC church. They are very open and welcome LGBT members.

[big kim]

I went to a local Methodist Church round the corner from were I lived,they were OK.Another M2F & an F2M went there and we were accepted fully.

[Gina Taylor]

Thanks for your on going support. I'm going to be calling my church and setting up a meeting with my pastor.  BTW, Eva, what is a UCC church. 

[Eva Marie]

Thanks for your on going support. I'm going to be calling my church and setting up a meeting with my pastor.  BTW, Eva, what is a UCC church. 

Gina-

UCC is the United Church of Christ (not to be confused with the Church of Christ):

http://www.ucc.org/

They also have a facebook page with some LGBT ministry stuff on it:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ucc-lgbtq-ministries/108480852584903

[Constance]

Gina-

UCC is the United Church of Christ (not to be confused with the Church of Christ):

http://www.ucc.org/

They also have a facebook page with some LGBT ministry stuff on it:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ucc-lgbtq-ministries/108480852584903

Huzzah for the UCC! My home church is the Congregational Church of San Mateo, and it's UCC. We have 2 out-of-the-closet lesbian pastors and several same-sex couples in the congregation. I'm one of the few trans persons who attends, and the first to start my transition at that church.

[Gina Taylor]

Thanks Eva and Constance,

With so many churchs around, I'm sure I'll find a UCC, and if all fails after I talk with my pastor, I may consider it. It's really nice to have these options. 

[Constance]

Thanks Eva and Constance,

With so many churchs around, I'm sure I'll find a UCC, and if all fails after I talk with my pastor, I may consider it. It's really nice to have these options. 

Not all UCC churches are "ONA": Open and Affirming (UCC shorthand for queer and trans friendly). Check both http://www.ucc.org/ and http://www.ucccoalition.org/ to check for ONA congregations.

[Gina Taylor]

Not all UCC churches are "ONA": Open and Affirming (UCC shorthand for queer and trans friendly). Check both http://www.ucc.org/ and http://www.ucccoalition.org/ to check for ONA congregations.

I will be cautious . . .