Experience Quote by Roger Ross Williams
“I went to church every Sunday and sang in the choir. But for all that the church gave me - for all that it represented belonging, love and community - it also shut its doors to me as a gay person. That experience left me with the lifelong desire to explore the power of religion to transform lives or destroy them.”
About This Quote
The narrator experienced both inclusion and exclusion within a religious community, highlighting how faith can both uplift and marginalize.
In simple terms: Religion can both welcome and reject people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge exclusionary practices.
Themes
faith
identity
belonging
conflict
transformation
Mood
conflicted
hopeful
Type
personal narrative
social commentary
When to use this quote
- seeking inclusive faith
- advocating for LGBTQ+ rights
- personal healing
- community building
Key Concepts
social exclusion
spiritual struggle
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can religious groups become truly inclusive?
- What role does personal belief play in confronting exclusion?
A Different Perspective
Exclusion may stem from entrenched doctrines and cultural norms.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
![“I both didn't know Owen [Suskind] beforehand and didn't have any connection to the autistic community. But Owen wasn't really a problem, because he participated in the writing of the book and wanted people to see him as he truly is. As far as the cameras, Owen lives in the moment and the cameras…” quote by Roger Ross Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3b3/roger-ross-williams-5118_autistic_i-both-didn-t-know-owen-suskind-beforeha_133749.jpg)
