Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

What Kind Of Church Do You Attend.


Guest Evalyn_G

Recommended Posts

I am just curious as to what denominations of churches do our various Christian members attend and wether you consider yourself part of that denomination or non-denominational. Also how accepting has your church been with your status (transitioning, transgender, transsexual, etc.)?

As for me, I attend a Baptist church. I consider myself non-denominational, I have attended many different denominations over my life and have found that each church is unique regardless of denomination. I am only out to a few individuals includeing the pastor which I am in counseling with. None of the individuals I have "outed" myself too have opposed it, but they do not understand it.

Link to comment

Well, let's see. When I was born, I was baptized a Roman Catholic and attended a Catholic Church until I was about 5. My father died tragically, and my mother couldn't easily transport us to the Catholic Church in the next town and she had been Episcopalian until she converted to marry my father, so...we switched to the Episcopal Church two blocks away (since basically it is the Church of England in the U.S., it wasn't that much of a stretch). I took my first communion there. But then my mother married a divorced man and well, good-bye to that one. I became a Congregationalist (originally the Puritan church). I was confirmed and stayed there until my second marriage, where my spouse is a Methodist, and I became a member and our children grew up and were baptized and confirmed. But...I don't like where that church is going, so I'm looking elsewhere. I've attended Baptist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran services as well as an early forerunner of today's Evangelical/fundamentalist churches (back in the 60's). So, I've been around a little.

I guess I'm multi-denominational.

Link to comment

I had attended the same church since the age of two but after coming out to my wife, and her leaving I have felt a little uncomfortable attending and then the board removed our Senior Minister over the objections of most of the congregation again (third time that I can remember) and I have stopped attending so a few months ago - Disciples of Christ and now Sally's home worship and her personal relationship with the Lord - no money minded leaders to interfere with my spirituality.

Love ya,

Sally

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...
Guest S. Chrissie

I am a Roman Catholic attended the church till I was around 14. Then I went to a Baptist church when I was in national service (boot camp) and now I am attending a Protestant church in college (they call it the All Nations Movement, I think). But I never gave up my roots as a Roman Catholic and I consider myself a non-denomination.

Link to comment
Guest Lindsey59

Hi everyone...

I was raised Southern Baptist, in church every Sunday. Was born again believer in Jesus Christ in 1973 watching Billy Graham on TV, oh what a glorious time in the Lord!

They would never accept me, because I was born intersexed.

I now go to the Assemblies of God. My pastor, one assistant pastor and my choir director know of me are naturally nervous. They are ok with me as long as I stay on the "male" side.

That's not good either, although I understand why they feel that way. If the church body found out, some would have a problem and would most likely cause members to leave. That's sad too.

Sometimes, even though I was born with the physical defect and a female mind (I'm stuck in the male body the doctors made me at birth) I really feel like there's just no winning, not even in God's house. I hope and pray I am wrong and Love wins out.

Lindsey.

Link to comment

Boy! One common thread I am seeing in these postings, is how everyone has been strewn all over the map, so to speak. Myself I was raised a Roman Catholic. We attended church every sunday until I was 12---something happened at that point--not sure what, but I'm guessing my parents couldn't deal with the hypocrisy.........then a large gap & non-religious upbringing & I'll admit a lot of chaos, not realized at the time. At the age of 19 I joined the pentecostal church---wow that was a change:))) speaking in tongues; laying on of hands; no drinking, smoking, dancing---pretty much everything was sinful---I remember we even had a heathen record (pre-DVD) burning ceremony in our church parking lot---all those secular music collections were brought in and burned! Then came the point of no return---the cracks started showing and I switched to a baptist church, but after several years found that it wasn't much different than the pentecostal----have thought of joining the United Church (in Canada they are supposed to be accepting of the LGBT community) but skeptisism has kept me away. In a nutshell, I am still searching & no longer attend any church---I think it's been five years.

Link to comment
Guest AlexiThink

I was definitely raised Roman Catholic. Since I was adopted at infancy to my mom and her brother, a Roman Catholic Priest (who I call dad), I didn't really have a choice in the matter. That's fine by me though, I still identify as Catholic, although quite a bit more liberal than my dad.

As for how accepting my church is about my gender identity, I haven't really come out as anything specific to anyone, least of all the church, so I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Link to comment
Guest Joanna Phipps

OK, Born and raised High Anglican got tired of the dogma and formality, have been variously frundamental baptist, no denomiational and a few others before tiring of the legalism, dogma, and (how to put it) its my way or you go to he** attitude of most of the churches i was associated with. Now with most of them having a hostile stand against transsexuals (a stand with no biblical basis) that is more reason for me not to attend.

I dont deny the creator, I just think that humans (as they are want to do) have clounded and poluted the essential purity and beauty of the message.

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Isobelle Fox

I hadnt been in a church in 16 or 17 years when a friend of mine who also helped me find the courage to come out introduced me to the church he and his family attend. Its a local church that is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). A portion of these churches, and luckily and happily the one I attend for sure, are known as Open and Affirming. They are fully inclusive and accepting of LGBT people without question. There is a satellite organization of this church called the Coalition for LGBT Affairs, and I was actually on the board of that organization very briefly this summer. I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life at their annual conference when I got to help give communion to another MtF with a FtM at my side helping. He held the bread, I held the wine.

Last January the UCC Coalition held a series of conferences across the country soley for the purpose of educating members of the church about trans issues. That too was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had.

I really feel blessed to have found such an organization, and in particular the church I attend, because its such an incredibly diverse and open minded group of people.

Link to comment
Guest Talia J.

Hi everyone,

I attend an Anglican (Episcopal) church here in Ottawa that's very open and supportive of LGBT both in the parish and in the wider community. I'm very lucky to have the support of the priest - someone I've known for a number of years since before moving here.

Just last month it was finalized that they can do same gender blessings in the church.

Ottawa is a fairly progressive diocese with a few stick in the mud congregations. That's not true of all areas of the Anglican Church of Canada though.

Too many forget the two great laws, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and all your soul. The second is like it, love your neighbour as yourself." Funny how people forget that and spew hatred.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Talia

Link to comment

I have a question for the Anglicans, or anyone who might know about this. (I'm not religious-I don't attend religious services, but I consider myself spiritual). Anyway, what is Mere Anglicanism? I've never heard of it. The reason I ask is because I stumbled across an announcement for a "Mere Anglicanism" conference titled: "Human Identity, Gender, and Sexuality: Speculation or Revelation?" They say they are going to discuss things like, "Why are we losing this whole issue of human sexuality - both as a culture and as a church?", and the need to put this whole controversy within the context of the book of genesis to the book of revelation, etc, etc,. Now here's what I find disturbing: They have invited the notorious transphobe, Paul R. McHugh to be a keynote speaker in order to address "these profound things". It sounds to me like another instance of maladaptive religiosity running amok in the the real world, advocating the elimination of LGBT people, especially since 'Mc[im]pugh is involved. Their conference is in Charleston South Carolina in January of 2010. Their advertisement is online at www.mereanglicanism.com. McHugh has spent his entire professional career hating on transsexual women specifically, and the LGBT community in general. He's 78 years old and still tilting at windmills. I guess he wants the lifetime achievement award.

Link to comment
Guest Joanna Phipps
I have a question for the Anglicans, or anyone who might know about this. (I'm not religious-I don't attend religious services, but I consider myself spiritual). Anyway, what is Mere Anglicanism? I've never heard of it. The reason I ask is because I stumbled across an announcement for a "Mere Anglicanism" conference titled: "Human Identity, Gender, and Sexuality: Speculation or Revelation?" They say they are going to discuss things like, "Why are we losing this whole issue of human sexuality - both as a culture and as a church?", and the need to put this whole controversy within the context of the book of genesis to the book of revelation, etc, etc,. Now here's what I find disturbing: They have invited the notorious transphobe, Paul R. McHugh to be a keynote speaker in order to address "these profound things". It sounds to me like another instance of maladaptive religiosity running amok in the the real world, advocating the elimination of LGBT people, especially since 'Mc[im]pugh is involved. Their conference is in Charleston South Carolina in January of 2010. Their advertisement is online at www.mereanglicanism.com. McHugh has spent his entire professional career hating on transsexual women specifically, and the LGBT community in general. He's 78 years old and still tilting at windmills. I guess he wants the lifetime achievement award.

The title of the site mere-Anglicanism seems as shown by this archaic definition from dictionary.com

<STRONG>mere 1AC_FL_RunContent = 0;var interfaceflash = new LEXICOFlashObject ( "http://sp.ask.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf", "speaker", "17", "15", "dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif

adj. Superlative mer·est

  1. Being nothing more than what is specified: a mere child; a mere 50 cents an hour.
  2. Considered apart from anything else: shocked by the mere idea.
  3. Small; slight: could detect only the merest whisper.
  4. Obsolete Pure; unadulterated.

They seem to want to indicate that what they preach is pure Anglicanism, however from reading the site it has little to do with the Anglican church I was raised in. They seem to be a faction of the greater Anglican church and I am not sure how much authority they have in the greater scheme of things.

Link to comment

Thanks Joanna,

Whatever they are, they sound quite controversial. Bringing in McHugh just adds to it. But they'll pay his speaking fee, and he'll tell them what they want to hear.

Link to comment
Guest Charlene_Leona

I was raised Southern Baptist and was even studying to be a pastor. I have also studied many different forms of religion but after 9/11 I totally lost religion. I consider myself spiritual and that's it. The only reason I've been in a church since 9/11 was to photograph the church. I can't say anything good about religion so I will stop there.

Charlene Leona

Link to comment
Guest Jennifer T

I attend an independent church. Over the course of my life I've been in various denominations. I stopped here because this is where I was led. (Long story) But I've been attending this one since 96. I've not come out to anyone there. And honestly, they probably wouldn't understand.

But, I'm a pretty independent person. My relationship with Christ is personal and not based on anyone's doctrine.

Jennifer

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Tomgirl

I attend the Roman Catholic Church, was raised in that church that still fits me well, never came out but not worried about, all the priests I know are very open minded :)

Tomgirl

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

I grew up pentecostal and was in leadership. Come out as bisexual- kicked out of my church.

Now- I run a charismatic service in Metropolitan community church sydney.

Link to comment
I hadnt been in a church in 16 or 17 years when a friend of mine who also helped me find the courage to come out introduced me to the church he and his family attend. Its a local church that is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). A portion of these churches, and luckily and happily the one I attend for sure, are known as Open and Affirming. They are fully inclusive and accepting of LGBT people without question. There is a satellite organization of this church called the Coalition for LGBT Affairs, and I was actually on the board of that organization very briefly this summer. I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life at their annual conference when I got to help give communion to another MtF with a FtM at my side helping. He held the bread, I held the wine.

Last January the UCC Coalition held a series of conferences across the country soley for the purpose of educating members of the church about trans issues. That too was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had.

I really feel blessed to have found such an organization, and in particular the church I attend, because its such an incredibly diverse and open minded group of people.

this sounds great! I feel sorry for those who are sticking with a church when they don't feel comfortable coming out there--as a parent of a ftm son, I feel the need to reconnect with a good church, but not at any cost!

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
Guest harvester52

I attend a Unitarian Universalist church here in Oregon City, OR. They're a "Welcoming Congregation" with several LGB couples and trans folks in the congregation. I sing in the choir and am one of the sound technicians. They're a magnificent congregation of open and affirming people.

Link to comment
Guest sarah f

As I said in another post, I go to a United Methodist church. They don't judge anyone there as we have at least a couple of gay couples at the church.

Sarah F

Link to comment
Guest Donna Jean

I don't do "church" any more....

As a youngster I attended Nazerene services, later to Southern Baptist, then Methodist...married first wife in the Catholic church, wife is Wiccan...

I have personal beliefs....

I'll stick with that for now....

Donna Jean

Link to comment

I used to attend a church starting at age 2 and always stayed there as it seemed like home, I met my ex there and somewhere along the way the emphasis shifted from studying the Bible to concentrating on the Ledger so after dismissing three ministers that the congregation all loved because they disagreed with the Board (the big donors) I decided that I was not getting anything out of attending a church service other than being seen there.

I decided that it was more important to be seen by God as a good person who treats everyone with respect and kindness than for a bunch of other people to see me in a pew at church - I have my own personal relationship with God and that is what matters.

Love ya,

Sally

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   1 Member, 0 Anonymous, 81 Guests (See full list)

    • Penrose-Pauling
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.6k
    • Total Posts
      767.9k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,012
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Quillian
    Newest Member
    Quillian
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. 777fleetleader777
      777fleetleader777
      (21 years old)
    2. ArinHallm3
      ArinHallm3
      (18 years old)
    3. ITakMyTime
      ITakMyTime
      (70 years old)
    4. Jess31
      Jess31
      (40 years old)
    5. Natalie71645
      Natalie71645
      (39 years old)
  • Posts

    • Abigail Genevieve
      Bob had the night off from teaching kara-tay and they planned to spend a lot of it at Cabaret.   Once in, Taylor waited for her man to park and looked around.  There was a sign "Mary, Paul and Peter LIVE tonight" and, sure enough, three microphones were standing in the open area.  A new hostess came up to her. "Are you alone?" "Oh, no.  He's coming." Taylor was led to a table. Bob was there in a minute and managed to get in there and seat her.  She smiled. "The act will be along in a few minutes. And Congratulations! I am SO EXCITED!!" Taylor responded to his look. "I got promoted." "To what?" "Head of Marketing." "You're kidding." "Nope.  It seems the Board finally woke up to the fact that the China cash cow may come to an end and they need to do something. Did you know that the VPs on up all get over a million dollars in compensation without really doing anything?" "No." "I am supposed to figure out how to re-energize over thirty acres of factory that have laid idle for forty years or more." "Why don't they do it?" She whispered,"the head of production is the son of the previous head of production. He has never produced anything."  She explained that everything was made in China and exported back to the US and sold under different brand names. "How am I going to find someone?" He smiled. "Congratulations. Sounds like a problem.  Hey, today we were talking about problems at our Philly plant.  One, it was built before World War 2. Second the city and state are tightening regulations and the tax structure is adverse.  Third, we get protestors every day, some of whom break into the factory.  People are talking about relocating." "We are forty miles from an interstate." "That is a plus.  Makes it harder for protestors to find us if we moved here." "You are really thinking that?" "I am, right now. I can't speak for the company.  I know there is a rail line." "Spur, actually, with several sidings.  The buildings are in good shape." "Do you have about five acres we could look at? How about if I take some pictures and send them off?" "Great.  And protestors would not be tolerated in Millville.  The factory area once upon a time was the main employer and people are very protective." Two weeks later she was in Philadelphia with Gibson and a few others.  The deal was signed and by end of summer ten acres, with an option on another ten, were being upgraded and equipment was coming in by rail. Not five, but ten.  She got a $20,000 bonus out of the blue.  The company was flush with Chinese cash that they didn't know what to do with. She was developing plans. But back to dinner.  "Did I tell you what they are paying me?" "No." She told him. "That is more than I am making." "You don't sound happy." "It takes some getting used to.  You are Management and Croesus combined." "Yeah. Is this a problem?" "No.  As I said, it takes some getting used to."  The musicians arrived and were introduced: three local teenagers in Peter Paul and Mary clothing and wigs like it was the 60s.  They began singing. "They are good," she said. "They are lip-synching." "They are good at lip-synching." They listened for a while. "Work is going to be intense for a while." "I'll bet." "I won't be able to talk to you about some of it." "I bet." They had a good evening.   The high point for Bob was that she let him put his hand on hers.  The high point for her was Bob did not seem threatened by her now being Management and making more than he did with a Masters. She didn't tell him she was likely to be in on the distribution of money the Chinese sent every year to keep them fat and happy.  But she had to finish up that report, so the evening ended early.  He drove her home, checked her apartment for people and again walked away hearing her lock the door three times.  She didn't say it, but he knew she was going to have a long talk with her therapist as well.   Her therapist was a night owl.  
    • Ashley0616
      envy: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage obsolete : MALICE : an object of envious notice or feeling
    • MaeBe
      I sit back and think, am I this person? I definitely argue, but with the willingness to alter my opinion if I find that my information is lacking. So, no? I also don't go pointing fingers in faces like a crazed person, usually I am the one to argue with that kind of person; typically because they can't see past emotion and have little concern for actual facts. Sometimes it's sport that I do this (ENTP, baby!), but usually it comes from a place of trying to inform and shift opinion--or at least get them to actually obtain facts or get their facts from objective sources.
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
    • MaeBe
      How exciting! Have a glorious evening!
    • Adrianna Danielle
      I will be meeting her wife tonight
    • Betty K
      Thank you Vidanjali that is so great to hear. I'm glad the joy comes across even though the subjects are dark, and especially that my voice is pretty! This was really a breakthrough for me, and I revelled in the entire process. Never had creating music been so effortless from start to finish.
    • Charlize
      The thoughts and suggestions above are certainly excellent!  I might also suggest that you continue to reach out to the trans community where your feelings are understood through experience.  I have found that helpful.  The is especially true when i try to help another in distress, not to look for a fellow sufferer but to help another find a path to self acceptance and peace.  Funny how helping another can pull me out of my own funk. We are here to help as we can.  Remember you are not alone in your feelings.   Hugs,   Charlize
    • Vidanjali
      This is great, Betty. Your voice is so pretty and soothing. I listened to both tracks on your channel. The messages are clear and there is a very effective tone for the content you are portraying as it neither sounds antagonistic nor overtly facetious, but rather empowered and joyful. 
    • Vidanjali
      @FinnyFinsterHH I am sorry to hear you're struggling so much. I'll start by saying I understand how this feels because I too have had episodes where I've gotten very upset about my chest to the point of panic or depression. So, I will offer what advice I can, but understand I know it's not easily done, though there are ways through it. Gradually think about whether someone you know can help get you a binder. Until then, because you feel this way when you realize your chest is there, you can work on developing mental techniques to get your mind off dwelling on your chest. You'll realize your chest is there throughout the day, of course, because the chest is a prominent part of the body.   First, think about addressing the physical reaction. Drink a glass of water and take several deep breaths. This can help to calm your body.   I strongly recommend mindfulness and meditation practices. You can practice techniques throughout the day, wherever you are. For example, say you catch a glimpse of yourself in a reflective surface and begin to feel sick, seeing the chest. Take a moment and instead cast your glance on anything around you, preferably something in nature like looking up at the sky or at a tree. Describe the object you're viewing in neutral terms meaning describe the color, texture, shape, borders, patterns, etc.; but avoid personal or emotional description such as, "It makes me feel..." or "It reminds me of...". This will redirect your mind away from dwelling on your body shape and calm the nervous system. There are many more mindfulness practices you can find online.   You can also try using a CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) journal app. In such an app will guide you to describe what upset you, the feelings, thoughts, and beliefs involved, analyzing and reframing them.    Finally, consider developing a regular meditation practice. This will strengthen your mind and gradually you will find yourself less prone to feeling consumed by upsetting events.    I should also mention, if you are artistic, consider channeling your experience into artistic expression. This has worked for me before - I've created a few art pieces addressing my experience of gender dysphoria. in such a way that felt empowering - like I owned it instead of it owning me.   None of these things is a quick fix. Nor should they be because what you're dealing with is a deep issue. But will sustained effort you can find your way to living with more peace and comfort.
    • VickySGV
      I am a little different in my angle of approach on this one, but my skepticism on the "Phishing Trips" the AG's are taking is that they have gone into these investigations with the idea that illegal actions are occurring regularly.  They are going in on the information of unharmed third parties who have imagined fantastic "theories and plots of harm".  What is going to happen when the institutions turn over information that has NONE of this fantasy outcome in it.  Proof of a negative is impossible under standard logic and even most Laws of Evidence.  Just because the records do not show it happened will not in their minds equate to harm not having happened, just that someone is lying to them or covering up something that they know from their personal fantasies.  The problem is that they have made a public face of wisdom and social courage against the fantastic, they have their "glorious Quest"" and like Don Quixote will be tearing up windmills looking to justify their private images.
    • Ivy
      This sounds really good.  Good luck with it.
    • Ivy
      It's (questionably) legal terrorism, in my opinion, to scare people out of transitioning.  But that is the goal, isn't it, to eradicate transgender people. They know what they're doing, and so do we.
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...