Hi Lola,

to its credit the move towards a more tolerable loving god is one I really welcome and much needed within the whole organisation.

Sadly, the fire and brimstone is still burning bright in NI unfortunately. It will take a fair bit of time to catch up with the rest of the UK and these voices are so loud the more considered views can't compete against the din.

The doctrines remain unchanged and will do for a long time. If they ever do change it take a long time to do so. I may be out of date but hasn’t their been more accepting moves regarding birth control....I think that’s shifted and softened in recent years. Trouble is, once taught it's hard to let go off the teaching. One friend springs to mind sadly a load of kids later she still set against any form of birth control, it has certainly been hard on her health. But it's her choice.

Thank goodness no one human can really have the final judgment over our soul, it's one job I wouldn’t apply for and I agree it is a comport knowing that even though human judgment does hurt, it's less important in the long run. In 100 years that human judgment won’t matter at all (I use that saying way too much lol)

One point you made struck out it's the journey of the soul mines and (separate but together in some regards) wee L's. He's got his own journey to make if I choose carefully and add to his journey in positive way's but still be mindful it is ..his.. journey and make it he will it be ok.

Trying to be positive about the future in his spiritual religious upbringing is about all one can do. Meanwhile, I will prepare myself for what I have already seen and heard in the past, makes for more measured responses when the time comes when they are needed.

Its funny but poignant, it was L first Christmas play yesterday they were just doing Christmas songs in his schoolroom my partner and I entered the room and the support teacher greeted us and said "hay L theirs your mummy’s now" the principal picked up seconds after and singularised the mommies to mummy!!!! It would have gone more unnoticed if she said nothing, I also didn't know why!!! Was it because of the other parents present, or the Canon (first I had met him) in the corner who appeared for the show, did she even realize she done it? Who knows, but those moments I reflectively protect my partner, who just shrugged it off and we both continued participating in the activates.

so thanks for a well thought out and inteligent responce

celtic_flame