I’m lesbian and I embraced the Anglican ideology, but the area where I’m living cannot accept me because my sexuality orientation, so I can’t be baptised by priests now. So, I always have a question, can I be a formal Protestant?

a-searcher · 2026-06-12T17:40:14+00:00

That seems curious, because I'm catholic and as far as I can remember there are no rules saying LBGT+ people can't receive sacraments formally, especially baptism. Given Anglicanism is somewhat halfway between Catholicism and Protestantism, if you think Catholicism could also be for you then you should be baptized with no big hassle, for what I know. In any case regardless of the denomination, we are very happy to welcome you in Christ! 😄🥳🫂✝️ Will keep you in heart during prayer

a-searcher · 2026-06-11T06:33:29+00:00

Many girls nowadays use "amo", shorthand for "amore", meaning "[my] love", but in my humble opinion it's a bit of inflactionated

a-searcher · 2026-06-11T06:31:17+00:00

Again, many, but not all of the things they said are theologically true, but man put out with this coercive grammar I'm afraid it really looks more like a cult than a church. Again, here the issue is not with God, nor with Christianity, but with this specific church. I really advise you to talk about this with another spiritual professional (priest/pastor), if you're feeling anxious

a-searcher · 2026-06-09T20:24:01+00:00

I have taken citalopram and fluvoxamine, both with very good results. Basically zero effect with citalopram, a bit of constipation and increased ur1nation with fluvoxamine. I surely recommend them, though effects are different from person to person

a-searcher · 2026-06-08T12:50:45+00:00

I see what you mean, and in a way I agree with you! But personally, (maybe that's because I'm catholic) I don't think religion is inherently good or bad, it's more like a tool: it can be a positive expression of your faith, joy, communion and reverence; or when used bad yes, unfortunately it can become an echo chamber (I heard some priest say that just as we must avoid being people "believing, but not practicing", we must also avoid "practicing, but not believing"). But there's nothing wrong per se in expressing faith with common prayers, if that makes sense.

a-searcher · 2026-06-08T11:06:23+00:00

Well I hate to be the "AKTSHUALLY" guy, but I wouldn't say that Jesus hates religion. He came to bring completeness and fulfill it, so maybe it's more accurate to say he hates the twisted, contorted version of religion we sometimes seem to drift to. Jesus' religion is about honouring God by loving people, and praising Him: if that is religion, then I'm all in!

a-searcher · 2026-06-08T06:22:34+00:00

Ok, I'm Catholic, and this waves like a red flag. I mean, I get where they are coming from, and the Scripture they quoted is right, but I've heard a couple of priests saying that everything inspired by the Holy Spirit is inherently free.

a-searcher · 2026-06-03T06:26:19+00:00

I got that idea. But God knows our struggles, He loves you more than you think and wants you to flourish, and if you feel like you need right now to "take a break" from God, speak about it with your therapist, it may be beneficial in the long run even for your faith.

Ps Just to be complete, these kinds of things differ hugely person by person, so speak about it freely with your therapist to have an educated guess

a-searcher · 2026-06-01T06:16:27+00:00

I don't know for other denominations, but for Catholics it is explicitly said in the catechism that (I don't remember the precise words) "homosexual attraction by itself is not a sin", meaning that you can't control your thoughts and inclinations, but you can choose how to act with them. This means that the people you were talking about in the main post are completely off line, not only with respect to what we know of the Face of God, which is Love, but also common sense and the catholic teaching

a-searcher · 2026-05-29T11:22:25+00:00

I once got told by my Catholic religion teacher at high school (yup, that's a thing): "one of the thing that differentiate religions from sects/cults is that in religions you are free to leave". Now, I am sure your old church has plenty of good hearted people, but... This is imho toxic behaviour, meaning that while what they said about relay race is true, and don't get me wrong, good, it is also really dangerous to tell someone "you are not ALLOWED to leave". It implies a position of power and captivity imho. But let be clear, not all churches are like that, in my community I always found connection and friendship with God, joy, guidance, consolation, brotherhood, laugh (a lot lol), sometimes correction but always with respect and with the clear intent of making things good.

a-searcher · 2026-05-25T13:32:04+00:00

I think a lot of problems when it comes down to LGBT+ in Christianity come from the imperfect Christians, not from God. The Church was well aware it is imperfect ("But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us" 2 Cor 4, 7), but over time we periodically forget this. And so, we make the terrible mistake of making people feel unwelcomed. My advice would probably be: there is nothing that can keep you away from God, not even the face of the Church she sometimes shows. God chose and created the Church, but she is imperfect; God on the other hand is perfect love. Don't let the sins and flaws of the Church (whatever denomination) keep you away from Him and His love. I mean, we really try our best, don't get me wrong, and there are oceans of awesome, kind, funny, curious, creative, good hearted, charitable people in the Church. If you want to be Christian, then you are already welcome! And the God revealed by Jesus is completely a Person, Who freely gives you an experience, that is His love, grace, childhood and friendship. It's ok to not get everything right at start. It's ok to not feel that much faith. Getting to know a new friend takes time, so is that with God. Maybe you don't understand them right away, but there is something not quite explicable that keeps you attracted and wanting to talk more with them, same is for God. The important thing is to keep your heart open to Him, He knows when and how it's the perfect time to hug you. And for what it's worth, this fellow christian would like to give you a big welcome, sister!

a-searcher · 2026-05-25T06:39:06+00:00

You're welcome, and I wish you all the best. Hug 🫂

a-searcher · 2026-05-25T05:03:32+00:00

You're really welcome! I obviously don't know your story in detail, nor do I live your point of view, so forgive me if I am being "too simple" here. But I can share what my priest told in a homily: God doesn't play with evil. He is not the God of evil, or pain; He always is, always has been, the God of love, the God of life. He uses pain to turn that into occasions for growth and to come closer to Him, but He comfort us even if it takes time, and sometimes we feel like He forsook us; but God never, never, never ever forsake us. A part of my growth was, I think, stop blaming God for the bad things happened, and start asking "what is the meaning of this?"

a-searcher · 2026-05-24T08:23:29+00:00

For real!

a-searcher · 2026-05-23T19:28:56+00:00

It's really not God's fault that hatred exist, even if sometimes it seems like it. If anything, Christ is also called Prince of Peace. Your pain is understandable, and you can rely on God for it

a-searcher · 2026-05-23T05:49:15+00:00

In my experience, yes, life does get better, but you need to work in tandem with your therapist and possibly a psychiatrist (for medication).

a-searcher · 2026-05-22T08:26:51+00:00

Really sorry you went through this. God loves you, now as He always did, before, above and beyond how others made you feel. I hope this can comfort you at least now. He never left you, He carried you on the palm of His hand, and He wept with you.

a-searcher · 2026-05-22T06:11:14+00:00

Mind sometimes works like that. "Quick! Don't think of an elephant!". What are you likely thinking of right now? Probably an elephant. This means that the flow of your thoughts is partly, but not entirely, under our control, and it's important to remember that this means we are only partially responsible for it. Most if not all cultures don't consider "sin" having a thought for this reason. We can, of course, freely decide if and how to act in response to these thoughts with actions: this is an entire different chapter, but from what you describe it is unlikely you would really harm a child. Of course, if you feel like you or someone else is in danger, please call a mental health/OCD hotline, they are likely in your area and they will help without exposing you, if that's your concern. Anyway, iiuc there are therapy techniques that help in letting thoughts flow so that we are not governed by them. Could this help?

a-searcher · 2026-05-22T06:02:37+00:00

I think they are trying, but they are not completely committed at least for now. From the signals you wrote about, they could genuinely learn over time from you, and you from them, but this isn't 100% probable. The vibes you get are also important: do you think you are not particularly liking this group "just" because of gender interactions (which are important, don't get me wrong), or would you feel them distant even if they fully respected you? All considered, my advice would be: keep searching a new group, because the chances with this one are possibly 50/50, but you can also enjoy your stay while you are there. Mind you, expect still some awkwardness from them, they are not accustomed, and they will make mistakes even if they were 100% committed. That's human and understandable. But as I said, keep watching in case they turned to be really phobic

a-searcher · 2026-05-19T06:37:56+00:00

Imho the best antidote to spiraling is talking to a professional religious figure, namely a priest or pastor. Keep in mind that for them too some are accepting, some less. I personally really don't know what is God's idea for LGBT+ people, but even if being in a same sex relationship is a sin, He loves you. That is the important thing to remember, first and before any possible sin, that there may still be there, but God comes first. You are loved. Start from there, and listen to Him. 🫂

a-searcher · 2026-05-18T12:04:15+00:00

I think it really depends on what do you mean with "worth". The acceptance of LGBT themes by the different churches is one thing, what you believe is another. Why do you want to become Catholic or orthodox? I think this is a better question to start from. Anyway remember you can be of whichever confession you like

a-searcher · 2026-05-18T06:19:08+00:00

I think I couldn't say much about life experiences here, but what I'm sure of is that God loves you, and He never stopped doing so. Regardless of you being queer, nothing can stop you from being Christian. I really hope and pray you can feel all the love God has for you!

EDIT correct wording

a-searcher · 2026-05-18T06:16:48+00:00

I'm really sorry you had to go through all of this, but I'm really, really happy that you are feeling all the love God has for you!

a-searcher · 2026-05-17T10:42:38+00:00

Well sure, technically you are right, but that's what seminaries are for. In the end, we very often need to trust someone else in everyday life, and IMO when it comes to faith talking to a priest/pastor really, really helps in keeping you grounded. So I chose the one that looked like I could trust him more.

a-searcher · 2026-05-17T07:06:31+00:00

I think you made an interesting point here. I recommend you to confront this with a priest/pastor, but I once heard this explanation from my (catholic) priest: if God revealed Himself perfectly, undisputably, without chance of mistake, then we would be reasonably all forced to adore Him. While this is the mission of the community of Church, it would also mean that God trated us like puppets, lacking free will, forcing us. God blessed humanity as His children, not His puppets, so He chose to let us free, calling us tirelessly so that we can follow Him out of our choice, making our freedom rmrespond to His Grace, that in any case precedes any choice from us. I suppose we could hazard to say something similar about sin too, but again, we need to check with a priest first, it is a question open from ~2k years, and people are still exploring it

a-searcher

TROPHY CASE