Oct 31, 2010

Coming Out to the Congregation


Conyers, GA megachurch pastor Jim Swilley came out to his congregation this week, saying he made the potentially career-ruining decision in light of recent gay teen suicides.

“As a father, thinking about your 16-, 17-year-old killing themselves, I thought somebody needed to say something,” Swilley said in an interview with Atlanta’s WSB-TV. “I know all the hateful stuff that’s being written about me online, whatever. To think about saving a teenager, yeah, I’ll risk my reputation for that.”

To be fair, Blasphemes never ran an article on this guy when the allegations came up a couple weeks ago, because, really, gay pastor - come on? Even we don't run those stories anymore they're so casually common now. Hiding or preaching anti-gay at the pulpit probably would have gotten a mention -- but we didn't hear or discover anyone saying that about him.

Coming out to save gay teens really is awesome and inspiring and all... but before I give him a free pass --

He felt that he needed to lie for 21 years with the mother of his children, and to have a wife to keep the lie to his congregation to give the impression of a good pastor? What kind of example is that? To anyone?

And is this his well crafted opportunity to come out, and come out in a bright shinny light, rather than in the internet fed scandal? I mean, he pulled this PR stunt off so well, he might even try to attract the gay community to worship with him - and tithe with his congregation? That's not gay, that's skill, showmanship and a stunt worthy of praise. And career boosting - not ending.

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