1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Dreading the Meeting

Discussion in 'Coming Out Advice' started by padre411, Jun 9, 2010.

  1. padre411

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2010
    Messages:
    375
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Southwestern US
    I am 18 minutes away from a committee meeting which I am dreading.

    When we met 3 weeks ago we were evaluating the parish web site. The presenter noted that the photograph of me, my wife and my daughter is about 5 years old and needs to be updated.

    He has brought this to my attention before and I indicated that I didn't want to include my wife and daughter in the new picture. While presenting in the meeting, he made the comment "well, I think it's important that Fr Mike's wife and daughter are in the new picture so that everyone who visits the web site knows he is not gay."

    I almost choked - at both the irony and the bigotry. Another member of the committee tried to make a save by saying "well, Fr Mike, maybe you could wear rainbow colors."

    More web site evaluation tonight and I'm dreading it. I do get a chuckle when I imagine the facial expressions when I do come out to the parish.

    Peace,
     
  2. Beachboi92

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2009
    Messages:
    1,099
    Likes Received:
    1
    jeez i would have been like "since when does a single man standing alone in a picture mean hes gay?"
    then done a Z formation snap put my hand on my hip and sashe away haha
     
  3. Sylver

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2010
    Messages:
    934
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Kenora, Ontario
    Is it just a tad curious that someone would say this in a committee meeting? Either this person is socially challenged, or they sense something and are trying to bring it to the forefront in a roundabout way. Either way it wouldn't make an ounce of difference to me. Until you're out to the parish people can say whatever they want and you can only go so far without playing your hand. I'll wager that after you're out they won't be making off the cuff remarks like this, otherwise they risk exposing their bigotry for what it is.

    I'd also bet you weren't the only one in the room uncomfortable with this person's remark...
     
  4. Mogget

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2010
    Messages:
    2,397
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    New England
    Y'know, even if homosexuality were something you considered sinful, do you necessarily want to send the congregation the message that the pastor is free of sin? That doesn't something that sounds at all in the Christian tradition...
     
  5. Jim1454

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2007
    Messages:
    7,284
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Toronto
    Wow - that would have landed like a stone on the meeting table. What an incredible thing to say! How can you not think of what the follow on statement would be - "Because straight pastors are better than gay ones."

    I feel for you. You're in a terrible position for the time being.