Denomination Divorced Quote by Ken Wilson
““This informal “pre-exclusion” is probably the more powerful and widely exerted form in many churches. It is in my denomination. As the divorced and remarried don’t seek communion at a Roman Catholic parish, gays and lesbians don’t seek to participate in most evangelical churches.””
About This Quote
Informal exclusion—social or doctrinal—acts as a powerful gatekeeping tool in many religious communities, often marginalizing groups such as divorced, remarried, or LGBTQ+ individuals.
In simple terms: Unspoken exclusion shapes church membership.
Key Takeaway
Informal exclusion is a strong control mechanism.
Themes
religion
social dynamics
exclusion
identity
power
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
sociological
When to use this quote
- studying church membership trends
- designing inclusive community policies
- training clergy on bias awareness
Key Concepts
group conformity
implicit bias
Practical Applications
- create transparent inclusion guidelines
- facilitate dialogue between marginalized groups and leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How does informal exclusion differ from formal doctrine?
- What strategies can reduce hidden bias in religious settings?
A Different Perspective
The claim may generalize across denominations without accounting for varied practices.
