I recognise that there are many within the gay community (such as it is) who, though comfortable with spirituality in a general, vague sense, find organised religion to be anathema. Indeed, with the injustices perpetrated and accusations leveled at gay folk by members or representatives of these religions, it is completely understandable.

For myself, though, my faith is as much a part of who I am as my sexual orientation. It is not something that I could jettison because of what someone says or does that I can't agree with.

I wonder if there are proportionatly more men of faith (or previously of faith) among gay fathers than in the wider gay population. After all, I know of quite a number of men, myself included, who got married and had kids because of religious expectations to be straight. What better way to be straight than to be married, right?

Anyway, for those men here who are Christian, I've recently come across a website called GayChristian.net. In fact, I've found a couple of (former?) members of Gay Fatherhood on there. If you're so inclined, please feel free to visit.

I think you've said what I've often felt when you said that your faith is as much a part of who you are as your sexual orientation. Though, I admit to being... well, more uncertain, more openly ambiguous about what I believe these days. There is an inner battle between the believer and the cynic within me, but at heart, there is still faith there.

Good link, guy. I'll have to include it in the faith links when I get them copied over from the old site. You just reminded me of another thing I must do! lol

Hi Guys,

This place is starting to feel more like home again. My story has some resonance with yours Moose ...at 20 I experienced some form of religious experience which I concluded at that time along with others to be the born again one!! No complaints....it was great, I learned alot about myself and others I knew or met at that time. Furthermore I think that despite my now total scepticism regarding much concerning organised religion and worldwide faiths, it has instilled within me a kind of moral code that positively guides me in my personal and professional life. I can't say whether that would have been the case I had I not met 'god' for a while.

It definetly resulted in me getting married over which I have obvious regrets for my ex as much myself BUT I have had the chance to be a father and you know for me...my lovely guy David and many of our friends that has been a great part of living today as a gay man.I must check out the site too...hey we pagans can window shop still .

Love you all.... Vincent....I love it that we may get the chance to talk about this issue as adults, one that is so important to many gay men today. Cheerio for now V.

Speaking of faith and all that 'stuff', our Pride Parade was the subject of two counter demonstrations by christians who condemned us sodomites, as poor degenerate lost souls who were tearing at the basic fabric of society, and on the slippery road to hell.

They numbered in total about 50 souls I guess, singing hymns, quoting scripture, handing out tracks; one told me I was too afraid to face him and the truth....I retorted....to my shame that I would only be afraid if he and I ever found ourselves naked together!! The parade which consisted of young and old, camp and butch, single and families, st8 and gay was colourful, merry, respectful, happy and proud and numbered 5000. Ten years ago it was 20!!!

I still wonder that the church with all the crisis that it may face today, considers what a minority of men and women share with each other to be such a huge priority...we do not cause the shocking divorce rate currently evident within the str8 community, we do not rape women, abuse children, fight like mad dogs on the streets at closing time, vandalize buildings, foster racial enmity or condem others for wanting to love and be loved.

The way some people of my faith behave towards others is frighteningly appalling.

They have to learn to recognise that, however convenient it would be to find a scapegoat, LGBTQ people can't be lumped all together and blamed for the modern ills of this world.

Similaraly, the LGBTQ people must be willing to accept that there is an increasingly visible and vocal crossover between the two camps, and that the homophobic spewers of vitriol don't represent the whole. I hope that religion/faith will become less villified within our community.

That said, I'm hoping that my t-shirt arrives before Cardiff Mardi Gras on Sept. 10th.

THAT'S an awesome T-shirt!

The misuse of the word "Sodom" still amazes me. The story was about a city's extreme selfishness, hedonism and gang rape, and violence toward strangers whom they should have protected instead of threatened. (Kind of sounds like what the church is doing to us now, doesn't it?) It had nothing to do with two people of the same gender loving each other.

Frankly, I liked your comment to the church man, Vince. Might just have been what he needed to start edging him out of the closet. hehe...

I am a Christian Gay man who tries very hard to follow the example of Christ. Sometimes it is difficult, as the apostle Paul mentions, "Sometimes I do what is wrong even when I know it is wrong and try not to do it."

For those of you who have been wanting to reconcile your Christian faith and your sexuality, may I recommend the Metropolitan Community Church. They have been active since 1965 and continue to grow. Not only are we "welcome" to be in the churches and even members, but we are the ministers as well. Our local congregation includes LGBT and even a number of straight people. You can read more about this world-wide church and what they are doing at http://www.mccchurch.org

I have found them to be a breath of fresh air after having lived over 20 years in the charismatic movement (including 10 years at Oral Roberts University) and having to wince during every service because they were attacking me personally, deep in my soul -- my very being.