Friends were distant. Family members were unable to understand. The need to deny feeling and affection left some among us less than whole, lacking in self-esteem, unable to trust. Despite clear signs of progress, we still experience direct oppression within the Church. Groups that call attention to such oppression or seek the development of church teachings on sexuality are forbidden the use of church property.
Some bishops oppose legislation protecting our civil rights.
Even those Church officials who empathize with our struggle hardly dare to risk public gestures of fellowship and support. We are stronger, both as persons and as Christians, because we make hard moral decisions. That strength grows as we share the convictions and commitment that develop out of reflection on our experience as lesbian and gay People of God. We have come to realize that being gay or lesbian is God's blessing and gift. All that God has created is good.