Need a bit of help from religious folks here.

[Behind the Aegis]

My brother (a single, straight Jewish doctor...I will screen applicants) has a friend who is struggling with her lesbianism and her faith. While he is just slightly more religious than me (he actually keeps kosher and has been in a synagogue in the past 20 years), this is a bit out of his range. He has described his friend as very intelligent, kind, and very accepting/understanding of her son's homosexuality, but is having a difficult time with her own. He's wanting to help her, but not in the best position (Like me, he sees the Bible as a book and G-d, well, who knows?) to play spiritual advisor.

I told him I had access to some pretty good resorces here. So, if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them. I know she is not Catholic (I know about DIGNITY). They are in eastern NC. So if anyone knows some good resorces for religious/spiritual people coming to terms with their own sexuality, please share, so I may pass this along. (Also, she has had some contact with the Unitarian Church in the area.)

Also, it might be helpful for some of the lesbians and bisexual women who came out later in life to share their ideas, even if not religious, because I feel that is likely an issue too.

Thanks!

(Oh, just a simple request/plea: this is not a debate about religion, please don't make it one. Thanks!)

[Fearless]

1. For every faith there are groups out there tailored to them...

I would suggest that she looks into one of them that suits her religious beliefs... The internet is a great tool here... There are 23 million hits for "gay christian groups" for instance. I'm sure that there are online forums out there that may help her to become more comfortable interlacing her faith and her sexual orientation.

I'm no expert on the subject of religion, grew up Catholic (until I reached the age of reason), and for me leaving it behind was key to me accepting myself. For her, it may be finding a group in her religion that is welcoming of or designed for lesbians (or the LGBT community as a whole).

[xchrom]

2. most episcopal churches are very open and accepting.

there are lgbtiq priests, obviously women priests as well as straight men.

i don't know what the episcopal church is like where you are -- but it would be worth a look see.

[w8liftinglady]

3. Cathedral of Hope (Dallas) has a lot of online stuff..

https://www2.cathedralofhope.com/

I'm sure their ministers could recommend a church in her area that was lgbt-friendly/supportive.

Coming out later in life is an ongoing challenge. It is different for older women who have been previously in a straight relationship with kids.You always feel the need to protect your kids from the mean bullies out there(even when your kids are grown).She has my support.I see a psychiatrist myself,so I'm still dealing.

[TheCruces]

4. Espiscapalians are very accepting (but basically just Catholic-lite)

The UCC church tends to be very welcoming of GLBT members. I know the Methodist church where I live is very GLBT-friendly and so are the Ecumenical Catholics here, but that can vary from church to church.

[William769]

5. Welcoming Gay Friendly Churches in North Carolina - NC

(sorted by city, denomination and then church name)

http://www.gaychurch.org/Find_a_Church/united_states/us_north_carolina.htm

[Behind the Aegis]

6. Thank you very much!

This will be very useful.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Thanks to everyone who has responded so quickly.

It is important to extend our hand to others in need. You all have done so quickly. It is appreciated!

[Meeker Morgan]

8. How about bag religion entirely?

Does anyone really need big Daddy in the sky to tell you you're OK?
Or big Momma as the case may be?

Liberal religion == Decent people trying to steal the historical prestige of something evil.

[Behind the Aegis]

9. For some,it is important.

Why should that matter? Why should one denigrate something important to another because it doesn't fit their world view?