Have you ever experienced the Liturgy of the Orthodox Church before? If you respect the beautiful symbolism of the Catholic mass you might also find the Liturgy of St Chrysostom used in the Orthodox Churches very uplifting. The Orthodox Church also stresses the importance of personal communion with Christ and has a rich history of mystical and ascetic teaching.
than to have my sin treated like it's SOOOO much worse than others' (when the whole point is that everyone sins -- it's not like straight people are in any position to look down on me, when they are also sinners...)
I can empathize with what you are saying here. Unfortunately homosexuality has become such a hot button and politicized issue that people react in very extreme manners with the question is brought up. My Church teaches that we are to consider OURSELVES the first among sinners and to refrain from judging other. Like St Isaac the Syrian urges us to do:
Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others.
Be crucified, but do not crucify others.
Se slandered, but do not slander others.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep: such is the sign of purity.
Suffer with the sick.
Be afflicted with sinners.
Exult with those who repent.
Be the friend of all, but in your spirit remain alone.
Be a partaker of the sufferings of all, but keep your body distant from all.
Rebuke no one, revile no one, not even those who live very wickedly.
Spread your cloak over those who fall into sin, each and every one, and shield them.
And if you cannot take the fault on yourself and accept punishment in their place, do not destroy their character.
Here is a link to my Churches webpage if you are interested:
oca . org
ad the "www" thing and fix spaces (I can't post links yet) doh!
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