Growing up Adventist and discovering I was gay created a lot of mental conflict. I loved and trusted my Adventist community, but my personal feelings didn't line up with the church's teaching on LGBTQIA+ issues. SDA Kinship was a lifesaver in helping me navigate what sexual orientation really means and what the Bible texts are (or are not) referring to. I recommend SDA Kinship for anyone who is dealing with sexual orientation or gender diversity questions, as well as families and allies of LGBTQ to join and become a stronger voice in our Seventh-day Adventist church.
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Seventh-day Adventist Kinship has been a lifesaver for me and for so many LGBTQ Adventists around the world. Unfortunately, the Adventist church doesn't understand the concept of sexual orientation or gender diversity and the top level administrators condemn the LGBTQIA+ community often creating mental unwellness in a large segment of the Adventist membership. SDA Kinship creates a safe space for queer Adventists to be themselves with no judgement. It is good to have a community where you are truly welcome and affirmed just as you are.
Kinship has made an important impact in the Adventist community and has helped many people create support networks and build friendships. My hope is that more people get to know about this organization and benefit, as well as contribute to the cause, creating a safe space to grow spiritually and live out our lives authentically and honestly.
The people in Kinship just seem to care so much about anyone who is hurting. They were there for me when I most needed them. Their love and dedication is simply amazing.
I heard about Kinship when I was in college but didn't connect to it until 1995. I've been involved with Kinship since then because from the first moment I attended my first Kampmeeting I knew I was "home". Kinship gave me the place where I could be myself and reconcile my sexuality and my spirituality...something very difficult to do coming from a fundamentalist religious background. I continue to offer my time and financial assistance to this organization because I believe in the mission of Kinship. Because it had such a profound impact on me, I want to make sure the love and support I found in Kinship continues to be available to others. Seventh-day Adventist Kinship is a wonderful organization for everyone...former or current SDA members...all are welcome. I feel blessed to be a part of this organization and to have formed awesome friendships that I'm sure I'll have for the rest of my life.
I first joined in 2001, I was at an Adventist campus and feeling like the only gay man there. Once, I joined, I had a network of others like me. I attended my first Kampmeeting soon after and forged many long time friendships. I am continually grateful for the work Kinship does and decided to give back by serving on its Board of Directors. I cannot thank Kinship enough for being a major part of my life.