Hi Tony

Yes, you’re right – a triple whammy. And well put about the issues compounding each other.

They’ve all been extremely difficult things to process on their own but collectively the layers and intensity have mounted up too. And all events have sent me into major spiritual crises where I’ve had to question my faith and the supports (or lack thereof) around me. On the positive side however, I’ve certainly become good at thoroughly examining ideas and rebuilding on more solid foundations. And every experience of loss and reconstruction has assisted with the next crisis.

The divorce issue was helped by some bible studies I did years before where I had to write an argument about divorce, using as many scriptures from the bible as possible. I was surprised to learn that there were as many passages permitting divorce as against it. My conclusion was a gracious one, knowing that God’s compassion would always be the overriding force and that divorce would therefore be permissible in some cases. It seemed to me that God hated the pain of divorce rather than judging the people involved from a legalistic viewpoint. I felt God’s presence very much at this time, and little did I know that both the memory of this and my words would be a great comfort when I later found myself going through my own divorce.

I’m aware that my previous experiences of spiritual abuse contribute significantly to my being very sensitive to any church communications that are: not clear, leading statements or conflicting messages. They might be very subtle but that can be the most damaging kind of manipulation because it slips under most peoples’ radars. On the negative side, being hypervigilant is tiring and may cause me to read into messages that may not be intended or present, but then this level of alertness might just protect me against being abused again.

Whatever the case, I just want to keep learning and moving forward.

Thanks for your feedback and for making me think about this more.

Ann Maree

This is for….. desparate4truth

Amen my friend. I returned to the church 3 years ago after more years than I want to remember. I have stood out like a light that wont be hidden. Have so far been accepted but I am sure there are those that are legalism bound.

The scriptures do say Let your light so shine. By this I mean :God is love. The Ten Commandment boil down to Love the Lord God with all your heart and Love your neighbour as your self.Man tries to get us to think because of our orientation we cant love ourselves so how can we love our brother.Lord teach me to Love.When men mock me because of my ways .Let me love. When men spit on me because they dont understand. Let me love.When they despise me let me open not my mouth. Let me love. Jesus did that. God bless you desparate4truth.

Yeah, good point mobileguy. I also think it could be helpful to identify a target group for those who have come from cults and include some related book titles and organisations in the Resources section. I think in many cases the needs of ex cult members are quite different to those who left the church under other circumstances.

in my nearly 20 years in the community now I have come across so many spiritual LGBT people….in fact i was really surprised just how many as I guess I still had the old church conditioning that they were a godless lot….hehe.

they have found there own spirituality through reading, attending workshops and seminars, gone on retreats…..or just finding there own path.

I don’t think its our role is to pro-actively foster a spiritual path for LGBT people…..they seem to be finding it anyway……and if we did…it would be seen as evangelising……and against our charter.

I have noticed that our chapter meetings naturally provide a space for people to explore spiritualities……I like that.

Hi buynowpaylater

Welcome to the site. It would be great to hear something of your journey. Feel free to share your story in the Telling Our Stories section if you like.

Blessings,

Ann Maree