Cathedral Church Of Saint Luke

ALL people are warmly embraced, loved, and cared for at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Awesome preaching by acting Dean Reggie Kidd.

After battling a lengthy illness, I felt well enough to attend services, first time this year.
Yes, it’s August.
Very long awaited event. I was so looking forward to it.
Well, imagine my surprise when checking into Unilocal,I notice negative reviews.
Something about a child being denied baptism here.
Because his parents are gay.
Here we go.. .
I’m just surprised. I was under the impression Episcopal churches were very accepting of the LGBT community.
While this may be true as a whole, just like anything else, individual communities may differ.
Having anticipated this liturgy for months, I decided to stay.. .
But it was hard hearing songs about goodness and acceptance – songs about Jesus, with images of the people not welcome here swirling in my mind.
Why is it that the teachings of Jesus are so not practiced?
Such a disconnect.
It’s the most ludicrous thing ever.
I don’t get it.
I just thought Jesus was accepting and inclusive.. .
I wanted to do some research right there in the pew about this ordeal, to see if it’s true or not.
But no need.
I believe it.
I have been attending services here for years.
I know the vibes, the coldness I have felt personally.
The hoops involved to join.
I didn’t think my spiritual development warranted such a vetting process, And decided I would rather not have a membership after all.
I thought, and this is true ladies and gentlemen, I thought, «there is a Catholic Church around the corner – why not just take communion there?»
My answer to myself ?
«Leave here to go take communion at an institution that not only abuses children, but decides to protect child rapists instead?»
Oh s#%!
Please tell me this has stopped.
Has anyone gone to jail for this?
Is anyone looking after the children now?
It’s been a long, hard, painful journey throughout my entire childhood and adulthood.. .
Ok throughout my entire life.
This belonging to church idea.
And my conclusion?
Church in America (more specifically, Deep South and Florida – this is what I’ve experienced) seems to be a sanctuary of hate, judgement, and exclusion.
Are there exceptions?
I’m sure there are.
Unfortunately, some of us are so deeply wounded, we don’t have the courage, strength, or even desire to try anymore.
I ask myself so many times, «what amount of ridiculous nonsense must I tolerate in order to be accepted or to belong in a church community?»
My answer?
NONE.
Because I’m not doing it.
So if you want me to join your church because yours is so different and unique and so not like church, please know it’s not personal.. .
I am telling you, It’s not happening.
I do not want fellowship or belonging in church.
Not in America at least.
I wanted it more than anything before – and then tried to make it happen.
And it never happened, despite my best efforts.
And now all I have is a long, continuous history of unsavory, painful experiences.
Obviously it’s not working.
I’m done trying.
Now, an Empty church?
That is the absolute best.
My problems with church always seem to involve people.
And this is why I’ve attended services here for years.
Because no one talks to me.
I talk to no one.. .
except when passing the peace of course.
Receiving communion with no fellowship.
Oh, the irony.. .
And this is EXACTLY how I want it.
My personal, intimate experience minus your thoughts, your feelings, personal opinions, or agendas.
Although I may attend for communion, conflict in my mind still stirs.
Should I forfeit the blessings of liturgy because church is so f’d up?
No matter where I go, it’s still going to be the same – f’d up.
So I may as well go.. .
And get my blessing.
Enjoy the music.
The incense.
Take communion.. .
Pass the peace.
Light candles.. .
Say some prayers.
But to belong to a church?
Attend faithfully every week,
Give offerings, and fellowship — thanks, but no thanks.
I am done with that idea.
Inhale. Exhale.
Let it go.. .
I wish my thoughts could be summed up in more loving recollections, however.. .thats not my experience.
This is the sad reality.
#currentstruggle #sadreality #hopesomeoneatchurchreadsthis #churchofjudgement #whatswrongwithreligion

Such a sad, homophobic place. The words of Dean Tony Clark sum up the Cathedral Church of St. Luke the best: «provocative, defiant, and uncharitable.» To deny the baptism of a baby because of his having gay parents is unconscionable. I am thankful that the Bishop reversed the cruel decision of the Dean and will be sure that the baby is baptized.

Homophobic! This joint cancelled a baby’s baptism at the last minute because the child’s parents were two married men. A fact, by the way, that they had known all along. And an act that goes against the policy of the larger Episcopal church. Clearly someone — possibly a number of someones — should be removed from position of authority over this congregation.

To turn away a child for baptism because he has two dads. Jesus would be so proud. What hate drives you? You owe and apology to those two men and to whatever mythical sky daddy you want to believe in. Three days before the boys baptism you cancel? Really?

One of the most beautiful buildings in Orlando. If you want a church that looks and feels like it’s special, check it out. I’ve been attending for more than 2 years and the people are just as welcoming. I actually drive past at least one other episcopal church to come to the Cathedral.