I attend a church that would probably best be described as a “gay church”. Yet it is open to every person, regardless of orientation (there are several straight folks who come) and regardless of whether they believe homosexual behavior is sin or not (I think some do).

Is your church open to every person, regardless of orientation…and regardless of whether they believe homosexual behavior is sin or not?

I’m sorry that you have found this in your training…it was not my experience as a doctor of clinical psychology. I am an active member of a reconciling congregation that is open to every person, regardless of orientation…and I find no conflict.

Religion, in my graduate training, was a point of brief focus…knowing your client’s faith was seen as important (and I did not attend a christian graduate program), and we were encouraged to explore major religions and write on the integration of psychology and faith.

I’m sorry it seems your school has not progressed…but my schooling was years ago…

best of luck.

What I found interesting is how you worded this. Why not state that you did not see “clients with same-sex attraction who find conflicts with their faith” represented? Why say the word “wrong,” and why find it so important that you want to see an already stigmatized group (who many christians already see as “wrong”) see themselves that way?

I wonder if you would be so inspired to write if the article only represented those who found conflicts with their faith and same-sex attractions?

How about writing about reconciling congregations and the psychological impact on gay/lesbian clients of finding accepting faith communities?

So many opportunities to support individuals…why take the low road? Leave it to Exodus, they’re sinking anyway…why drag yourself into the mud with them?