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The text of 'RELUCTANT
JOURNEY' now in its 5th printing, with Addenda of more recent exegesis.
This is not a flashy site with bells and whistles.
It simply tells the profound true story of my being led by God from homophobia
to Christian love for homosexuals, Christians especially.
The book has gone to many people and several parts
of the English-speaking world, and is now being translated in Latvian and
Russian by those who want to see it available to others in their part of
the world. It has helped and encouraged many lesbigays who struggle with
their faith and sexuality and others who had decided to give up; parents
of gay children who find it hard to cope or understand; and 'straight'
christians and others who struggle to understand homosexuality within the
context of faith or morality. We have received many letters and messages
telling how much 'RELUCTANT JOURNEY' (and this website) has helped; not
a few have brought tears to our eyes.
So I want others who may not have heard of it
or read it, to have the opportunity to do so. If you have found it helpful,
perhaps you will consider telling others about it.
It gives back to homosexuals, many of whom are
now good Christian friends, the self-esteem and knowledge that God cherishes
them, things which should never have been taken away. While the many ugly
injustices affecting the lives of homosexual people are slowly being addressed,
they are being hurt by bigotry and prejudice, (see
the following website for some truly offensive material about gay people,
much from 'Christian' ministers;http://wiredstrategies.com/hate.html)
The main purpose of this site is to encourage
those who are hurting, and those who love them. Also to challenge and enlighten,
thro our experience and Biblical understanding, those who like Peter of
old (Acts 10) are prepared to open their minds to the truth about a persecuted
people who are beloved of God. As Archbishop Tutu said 'To
deny they are children of God must be nearly the ultimate blasphemy'
NB. While I hold
the copyright of 'RELUCTANT JOURNEY', you can download it, use it, distribute
it,
but only as a whole - for
free!
Hard copy is available
- see 'Titleverse' in the book contents
for details.
SO WHERE AM I COMING FROM?
Perhaps the following may help.
I am a retired professional scientist/engineer;
amateur astronomer; serious Bible reader/student; open-minded, inclusive,
evangelical Christian; local preacher in the METHODIST CHURCH, and a supporter
of;
+LGCM (Lesbian & Gay Christian
Movement),
+EFLGC (Evang'al Fell'ship for LesGayChristians)
+Essex Group of LGCM,
(the local group),
We also have links with;
+COURAGE TRUST
+SAFETYNET @ Greenbelt,
+PARENT support
groups, and
+METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
I believe the Gospel of Christ, the heart of which
is the love of God for all people. Gospel brings
reconciliation with God and all God's creation; new life, love and hope.
My vision and prayer is for an inclusive, non-judgmental
society and church (who is in a position to 'cast the first stone'?)
where ALL who respect others are welcome to join in the common
life of the church, to explore together what 'love', the central teaching
of Jesus, means in our lives and relationships, and in life generally.
May God bless you with love, peace and joy
George Hopper
Email
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