Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays

[Th1onein]

DENVER – The auditorium lights turned low, the service begins with the familiar rhythms of church: children singing, hugs and handshakes of greeting, a plea for donations to fix the boiler.

Then the 55-year-old pastor with spiked gray hair and blue jeans launches into his weekly welcome, a poem-like litany that includes the line "queer or straight here, there's no hate here."

The Rev. Mark Tidd initially used the word "gay." But he changed it to "queer" because it's the preferred term of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people invited to participate fully at Highlands Church.

Tidd is an outlaw pastor of sorts. His community, less than a year old, is an evangelical Christian church guided both by the Apostle's Creed and the belief that gay people can embrace their sexual orientation as God-given and seek fulfillment in committed same-sex relationships.

More here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091220/ap_on_re/us_rel_gay_affirming_church

[Bluebear]

1. Who told him "queer" was the preferred term of GLBT folk?

It may be more many, but I abhor it.

[Posteritatis]

2. It might be a regional thing

I have GLBT friends around here who use the word "gay," but have ones in other parts of the country who insist on "queer" instead. Could just be that the ones in his congregation prefer the latter.

[Bluebear]

3. Gotcha. No matter, good for this church!

It's great to hear good news! :)

[mitchtv]

8. +1

it must be generational

[Toasterlad]

4. I Have No Idea Why Any Self-Respecting Homo Would Go Anywhere Near a Church, But Good For Him.

I admire his acceptance, if not his profession.

[mitchtv]

9. + 1

I suppose someone needs that type of support

[cliffordu]

5. I would actually attend a truly Christain activist church like that.

Not for the religion, so much as the political and social connection.

[shadowknows69]

10. I might actually too clifford. And I'm a pagan.

But I always considered returning to a more progressive church. We have a UU (hope I got that right) church here that allows local pagans to do ceremonies on their Sabbats. Pretty much a non-denominational examination of Jesus' philosophy more than anything would entice me.

[ZombieHorde]

6. Good. Another church down, many more to go. nt

[shadowknows69]

7. Wow, Color me impressed. A true Christian.

[Vidar]

11. Good for them!