And as you ponder those questions, try this one on for size, how would you feel if a specific faith community had already predetermined whether you are worthy of being allied with God? What if this determination is made without them ever meeting you, discussing faith issues with you, or allowing you an opportunity to speak? The only criterion for their decision to exclude you is based on who you choose to spend your earthly life with. That's it, no other reason. However, if you choose someone else, someone more acceptable to this faith community, then you are back among God's allies. Does this sound reasonable? You love who we want you to love or you're out. It's that simple. We will choose who you love and how long you should love them and we'll grant you status in God's allies.

           I know, I know. They argue that it is God who has made this decision and, because they are true representatives of God's allies, they have every right to speak for God. They say things like:

           "We love you, but you're going to hell. We know this because we are God's allies and we are obligated to pass on what God really thinks."

           "Your sexual orientation does not lead to true human happiness. God doesn't think it is natural and God thinks it's a death sentence, sorry to have to say that, but it's God's truth."

           As a Pastor, I am always amazed that some of my colleagues profess to know exactly what God thinks. As a person of faith, I've learned that I don't have the capacity to fathom the thoughts of God, but know that I must look through eyes of love and acceptance for all of God's creation to even come close. As a lesbian, it took me years of sifting through dogma to get to "Godma." And what is Godma? God created me. God knows me. God accepts me. God loves me.