A Bowmanville woman has been thrust into the role of gay rights advocate after she came out to her Oshawa church and was kicked out of the membership.âItâs clear that something needs to change,â said Kimberley Mills. âI feel that God designed me the way I am and Heâs going to love me the way I am.âMills had been a member of the Calvary Baptist Church for almost four years before the church earlier this month sent a letter telling her she would be removed from membership because she was living in âdisobedience to the Scriptures.â She says the response sheâs received since she went public on Facebook about her experience and the hurt she feels has been overwhelming. âPeople who are also believers, who donât feel this is Godâs love,â Mills said. âPastors are reaching out to me. People are saying âGod loves you just the way you are.ââMills, who was raised in Durham, first attended a service at Calvary Baptist Church after moving back to the area. She became a member and got actively involved as a youth leader.âI just loved the people, and going there. Itâs such a big church. Thereâs lots of opportunities to meet new people. I loved the kids, not just as a youth leader,â said Mills.Mills said she started to be concerned about coming out at the church when a sermon took a strong stand against homosexuality. She felt like she wasnât able to be true to herself while at church.In her Bible study group, Mills told a few women who were close to her age that she had been together with her partner, Meghan Fowler, for four years now. âComing out was kind of a process ⌠It was not accepted,â said Mills. âIt never felt right being judged for being gay. It didnât feel right.âAfter disclosing her relationship, Mills said she had several conversations with church leaders and members. They wanted her to repent her se ...
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