Not welcome in leadership

I was there in 1988 and I remember…

…one of the strongest objectors to the issues being raised in the discussions/studies leading up to the 1988 action. He was angry and judgmental always. Oddly his partner (wife) was quietly an advocate. They had three sons — one in his early twenties, one in his late teens and one a young teen. The two younger ones were both active in the church — the oldest one not.

The middle son was the most active. I had cause to wonder about his orientation but nothing was every said. His aunt was a minister in another denomination. When he graduated from high school he became involved in courses toward ministry. He married.

After a few years the marriage ended and he came out as being gay. His mother (who had probably known all along) was supportive. His father — perhaps in embarrassment — withdrew from most people. He was not welcome in leadership in his denomination. He was in so many ways broken…

~ Anonymous

(Shared with permission. Photo: Wix.)

#1988 #family #homophobia #gay #minister