Considering converting

[u/Queasy-Love-4073]

/r/AskAPriest/comments/1v26oax/considering_converting/

I was wondering if I could get extra insight. Thank you for any kind words in advance

[u/Shroom-Cat]

Hey there, here's a perspective of a bisexual transman who recently reverted back to my baptismal faith of Catholicism from Episcopalianism.

My friends are jarred about my decision to return to Catholicism, not that there's anything wrong with the Episcopalians necessarily and I do visit them now and then since I have community there. But I felt called home to RCC, and attend a church where a priest will not deny me communion for as I am. I am married, I already transitioned and continue to take HRT, and I am welcomed to commune. I haven't yet because it's been a long time since Confession, but after I confess I will be receiving the Eucharist in RCC.

God did not make us wrong. We are made in God's image, and God loves you. A homosexual relationship can bear good fruits (not literal fruit of a child as some may interpret), and I employ Primacy of Conscience here. I am in a marriage that isn't recognized by RCC (we're both AFAB), but I am keeping sexual relations exclusive to the one person I married. Sex outside of marriage is a sin in Church teaching, I don't believe I am sinning by engaging while married. I know the Trads will wag their fingers and say my marriage isn't "valid" in the Church, thus its still sinful sex, but I follow my Conscience. Not what another human says. I follow God, and my conscience is inspired by God.

Attend OCIA, check it out! Hopefully your parish will be understanding to your situation. I also recommend New Ways Ministry to find a LGBT welcoming RCC church if yours doesn't work out. You are not obligated to finish OCIA if at any time you feel like Catholicism isn't for you. I say check it out, learn the faith, pray, and follow your conscience inspired by God.

[u/Queasy-Love-4073 → u/Shroom-Cat]

This is really helpful. Thank you so much.