Would that more religious leaders had the courage of Jim Swilley, pastor of a mega church in Conyers, Georgia, who this past week told his congregation that he's gay. Admittedly, it took him years to come to the point of admitting who he is, but he did it - unlike many religious leaders who remain self-loathing closet cases who end up damaging the lives of other in their quest of denying who they are. Like Swilley, I was married for over two decades. For anyone who has not walked down that road, it is hard to comprehend what a huge move taking such action represents. Especially if one is in a profession where speaking the truth of who one is may result in a loss of one's career. I congratulate Swilley and hope that his statement may save someone from years of self-hate and/or suicide. Swilley's conduct is in sharp contrast to the closeted professional Christians who continue to damage and/or ruin the lives of others out of their own self-hatred. Robert Knight, Peter LaBarbera and other hate merchants could stand to learn from Swilley's example. Among other things, Swilley told the media:*
“As a father, thinking about your 16-, 17-year-old killing themselves, I thought somebody needed to say something,” . . . “I know all the hateful stuff that’s being written about me online, whatever. To think about saving a teenager, yeah, I'll risk my reputation for that.”
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Here are details from the Rockdale Citizen:
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Church in the Now is entering into a new chapter of its ministry after its leader and pastor Jim Swilley announced to his congregation that he is gay.
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For many church members, Swilley’s coming out during last Wednesday’s service was not a surprise. Swilley said he had been aware of his sexual orientation since a young age. He and his wife and co-pastor, Debye Swilley, separated about 18 months ago and have subsequently divorced after 21 years of marriage. A video of the service was posted to the church’s website Saturday that shows Swilley explaining to his congregation that he needed to be himself to continue his ministry and that meant explaining his homosexuality and debunking rumors about him.
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Swilley gives a 50-minute talk in the video and says that his sexual orientation is something he has struggled with his whole life. He adds he was always attempting to come to terms with his orientation and his faith in God.
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The announcement brought some immediate changes to the church, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in May. Swilley will no longer be referred to as a bishop after he agreed to step down from the College of Bishops of the International Communion of Charismatic Churches, a coalition of church ministries of which Church In The Now is a member.
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There may also be questions about the future of the church. Membership numbers were unavailable, but CITN is one of the largest in the community. The CITN campus is a landmark overlooking Interstate 20, just east of the Salem Road exit.
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In his comments, Swilley said he wants to continue his ministry and that everything is “on the altar, and if we do lose it everybody is ready to start something else.” . . . Swilley has received many comments of support on his blog, Facebook page and Twitter. However, in the video Swilley acknowledges members have left the church and personal relationships ended abruptly over the issue.
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Here is a video that Swilley has posted:
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