so I'm seriously considering starting to attend the Episcopal Church

[davidinalameda]

I have a meeting scheduled with a priest in one of the Oakland churches

it's a gay friendly/gay positive church

it's been a while since I've considered myself a Christian

I was raised Catholic and really believed in the God of peace and love thing

what killed it for me was that we got a very conservative priest who was hard-core about social issues

really destroyed my faith--I remember that I was serving as an altar boy that day and I had just gotten back from a church retreat--at the point in my life, I was strongly considering going into the priesthood--I listed to his sermon and my whole idea about the church was gone

I really like what the Episcopal Church is doing now and it's more in line with what I want out a church rather than some other denominations

it's Catholic lite and I like all the ceremony and what not

[elshiva]

1. God bless you! The Episcopal Church welcomes you, dwickham!

Does this church have Integrity meetings?

[davidinalameda]

2. there's another group in this diocese

it's Oasis

http://www.oasiscalifornia.org/

the church I'm looking is a covenant congregation

Oasis Covenant Congregations (designated below with an asterisk) have completed an intentional process of reflection and education, signed a public affirmation of commitment to glbt people, participate in programs and actions that advance and fulfill the mission of Oasis/California, and typically provide financial support for Oasis/California's ministry.

[elshiva]

6. Great! Thanks for the information.

:hug: Thanks for supporting GLBT rights, GOD bless you!

[flamingyouth]

3. My SO and I began attending one this past year.

We really love it and feel like we've found a home there. Our cathedral's dean is openly gay, as are many of the members.

I too love the ceremony and the liturgy.

It's also important to me that a church be active in social issues. I've been volunteering in the church's women's shelter.

I never thought I'd see the day, but I'm being baptized at this year's Easter vigil.

I hope you have a good experience like we have. :hi:

[davidinalameda]

4. thank you!

:hi:

[shrike]

5. If I weren't so culturally Catholic myself

I'd probably join you!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. Welcome!

:hi:

[cally]

8. Could you PM me with the name of the church

I'm looking for a new church. I'd like to find a bigger church than the ones near me.