Single in a World of Couples

I have to confess I am not attending church services these days. I have searched and have not found a place I feel welcome that is near by. I live in a conservative midwestern city and even the liberal denominations seem not to have a place at the table where I am made welcome.

It's not wholly because I'm gay, though that is a good portion. But there is also the fact that I'm in church alone. I'm not lonely in my life. I have a boyfriend and many friends. But I am made to feel alone because I choose to pursue my faith in ways my partner and friends cannot or will not join.

Lately I've been more aware that our world is biased toward traditional families. Anyone who thinks the traditional family is in danger hasn't been to a town festival, school event or church service and looked around. Our institutions marginalize those that are non-traditional. And some try to add legal weight to that maginalization. Being in the midst of it all just leaves a hollow pit in my stomach.

At times it is really frustrating that my guy is 250 miles away. Because there are things we can tackle together, there is alienation we can weather together that is tiring to endure alone. And one of those things is sitting in a pew trying to worship God when a good portion of the service is worshipping the families.Single in