THE GAY COMMUNITY

'I have never met a more loving community in my life than the GLBT community. Obviously there are exceptions in any community, but in general I've found that GLBT people don't care if you're skinny, hairy, fat, pimpled, a millionaire or dead broke; there is room for everyone. All they want is to give the same love to others as they want to receive themselves. When I first immersed myself I was completely taken aback by the way I was treated. I was welcomed and included in everything, like I had belonged my entire life. I continued to experience this over and over, and the more it happened to me, especially at the beginning of my immersion, the more upset I became. Their actions were supposed to be me - I was getting out-Jesused by gays and lesbians! They put a bullet in my soul. To be honest, that was the furthest thing from what I thought would happen. I expected the exact opposite.'

Andrew Marin, Love is an Orientation, p.166.

FRIENDSHIP

'...most relationships are stuck at a stagnant superficial level void of productive kingdom growth - everyone is too scared to be honest about their true colors and admit we're in a mess together.'

Andrew Marin, Love is an Orientation, p.164.

CHURCH

'Church is a place to give rest to your soul, a place of gathering where anyone should be able to come and involve themsleves with a community of believers who are joined by a common faith in the Lord Almighty. Church is believers - transparent, real and raw. Church is a lifetime of discovery as people brace themselves against their neighbour so both are able to stand and walk together. And yet there are still churches around this country with no sinners. I understand that there will always be people who feel intimidated and overwhelmed in church, but we must do everything we possibly can to rectify an image of perfection that no one can live up to, from the lead pastor down.'

Andrew Marin, Love Is an Orientation, p.59.

CHRISTIANS & THE GAY COMMUNITY

'...in real life both Christians and GLBT community are imagining themselves in the same role: each as the underdog who has to fight their way out of the corner. Both believe they are David and the other is Goliath. Two oppressed mindsets fighting each other will never be able to win the same battle.'

Andrew Marin, Love Is an Orientation, p.57.

HOMOSEXUALITY

'There are nine main concepts that both secular and religious GLBT communities think and fear regarding conservative evangelical churches and people.

1. How can I possibly relate to Christians in a church environment?

2. Will Christians always look at me as just gay?

3. Will I be able to be like everyone else in church activities and groups?

4. Do they think homosexuality is a special sin?

5. Do they believe that I chose to be life this?

6. Do they think I'm going to hit on them?

7. Do they think I'm going to abuse their children?

8. Are they scared that I'm going to infect them with an STD or HIV/AIDS?

9. When will I be rejected and kicked out?'

Andrew Marin, Love Is an Orientation: Elevating The Conversation with the Gay Community, p.31.