Well, maybe that’s a little melodramatic. This post contains 3 separate response from Round 2 of the church email project — one positive, and two indeterminate.
The first is from a Reconciling (LGBT-friendly) Methodist church. This is the first of the responses to come from a female pastor.
Hi S.
Thanks for the opportunity to address your questions and concerns. Being unfamiliar with asexuality, I went to the links you provided and read through it briefly (I’ll look more closely this coming week when I have more time).
As you may be aware, The United Methodist Church has major divisions regarding sexuality. [Name of specific church redacted] is welcoming of all people as we believe that every person is of great worth and loved by God. We support celibacy, singleness and marriage. Unfortunately, I think society has placed too much emphasis on marriage and sexuality. I do not believe that all people are called to marry and have children. I also believe that people can be in committed relationships/ marriages and be celibate.
If you want to talk more in depth sometime, let me know.
[name redacted]
Awesome. She’s even cool with nonsexual marriages. I’m counting this as a win.
From a Presbyterian pastor:
You ask very good questions. I would enjoy having this conversation with you. When would you like to meet?
[name redacted]
I’d rather not, to be honest.
From a Baptist pastor:
Dear S,
I typically don’t correspond with anonymous questioners. If you are sincere please identify yourself.
[name redacted]
Ouch. Well, I can understand why he wouldn’t. But yeah, no, I’ll pass.
May 4th, 2014 at 3:19 am
It’s so interesting seeing all the different responses you’re receiving! Please keep sharing!
May 4th, 2014 at 10:51 am
Alright, then, I will. ;)
May 5th, 2014 at 10:21 am
“If you are sincere please identify yourself”? Seriously? That seems somewhat judgmental to me. One can be serious and anonymous at the same time. A pastor should know better.
-Connie
May 5th, 2014 at 10:40 am
Yeah, it… ‘s not like I’m asking to be let into Fort Knox, here. I was a little put off by that one. Not sure what he’s so touchy about, but I think pastors everywhere need to have a talk about how to appropriately handle situations like this.