Stories

Shortly after Barbara’s death, Old South’s annual report was published. Imagine my surprise when the Rev. Taylor called out as one of the highlights of the year Old South’s welcoming its first transgender member! All of my doubts about being welcome in a house of God are now gone for good.

Last October, when I first started attending First Baptist Church, I found it to be a warm and friendly church, and it didn't take long before I decided that this was where I wanted make my new church home. ... As a church family you have been wonderful to me as Bob, and it is my sincere desire and prayer that this will continue as my life continues to change, and as I enter my new gender role as Brenda.

When we found that the organist was gay, we felt there wouldn't be any problems at all, but our thoughts were a bit hasty.  One lady in the church decided to write a hateful letter to the Church Council, full of allegations and innuendo which was without basis in fact. This individual did not know anything about us, yet they ventured to pass judgment on us, our family relationship, our morals, motives, and almost everything else about us.

For many of us, we may not have asked for the families we are in, and yet, we find much goodness and sustaining love through these amazing relationships.  I thank God that, after many years of anxiety and distress, the Kellers are reunited, mutually supportive, and able both to speak and to live the truth in love.  Whatever the story of your family may be, I pray that same blessing for each of you.