Questionnaire 2: Question 11 - No Responses

‘This is a difficult one. I don’t by the Methodist Church. The church is happy for me to cope with all the crap such as property problems, but not for me to be an out gay man.

However, it is very different with individuals. Many people, especially ministerial colleagues, have been very supportive, sometimes sacrificially by putting their reputation and influence on the line for myself and other gay and lesbian folk. I am eternally grateful to them and hope that I can do the same thing for other marginalised groups.’

‘The Methodist Church has never affirmed me for my sexuality, and stated that I have some unique contribution to make because of it.’

‘Depends what exactly you mean.  Largely I feel affirmed and recognised for my ministry and work as Child protection officer.  That said, my more worship based ministry I do not feel affirmed and feel slight that my involvement is only a reluctant one, from some, due to my sexuality – as though I am a second class Christian due to my “sin”.‘

‘The church does not create an environment in which ‘coming out ‘ would be easy.  Far better for all concerned not to say or do anything and accept the conditional love on offer.’

'I currently feel very unreal and dishonest, specially as, apart from World Aids Day (Sunday) I seldom feel able to include [my] concerns in my preaching and when I occasionally make a reference to our gay daughter in a housegroup conversation (or discussion) when a relevant opportunity occurs, it usually results in a change of subject – probably as my husband (a long-term active Methodist) is present too and does not wish to contribute to any debate, as he simply refers to the partners in question as friends.’

‘Very little support is offered by the leadership of the Methodist Church in times of difficulty or stress, you are left on your own.’

‘I feel to a great extent that I am useful in the church for the things I can do, i.e. play the organ, have many DIY skills, am also a qualified electrician and my medical knowledge is useful and my health and safety knowledge.  But from some things I feel excluded.’

‘I no longer worship in a Methodist Church: my change of address wasn’t notified to the new congregation and so I joined the local Metropolitan Community Church – which is fine.’

‘The point is that my “ministry” (such as it is) takes place mainly outside the Methodist Church.  Most of my time is spent working, sleeping, with family/friends.  Methodism, like a number of other denominations (and indeed faiths) concentrates on personal salvation through faith.  It feels as though it’s not too concerned about work, social, political situations.  The assumption is get the one right and the rest will follow.  My life is not that simple – would that it were!’