Over the last couple of years, Michael Wright has discovered his spiritual self anew in the LDS Restoration tradition.  A descendant of Mormon pioneers he spent years trying to make himself straight in the LDS Church so he could be everything that was expected of him.   But, despite his efforts, nothing worked and his religious and spiritual life went on hold.  Then he discovered Community of Christ, (not an offshoot but a Restoration cousin of the Utah Mormons) a Christian church that offers full inclusion to LGBTQ people and women.  Now, the newly baptized Michael participates fully in the spiritual and missional life of Community of Christ from his home in Rome, Italy.   He has discovered, God and Jesus Christ and the Spiritual life as a gay man married to the love of his life, Antonio.

312:  Spiritually Full, Religiously Included:  Michael Wright

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The shadow and light of the church are a part of the same story and integrating the suffering and the healing that the church created is part of our necessary preparation for the next part of our journey. Acceptance of our past life in church with its blessings is  a wholesome alternative to staying locked in the fight with what has been.  In which case, there's no freedom to move on. 

Accepting the Shadow and Light of the Church

It’s one thing to know that letting go is possible and even necessary.  But it’s another to stand at the threshold of leaving without feeling fear.  Most of us will carry some fear.  In this episode I discuss the DNA of Mormon fear of leaving the church. 

381:  The Reconstruction Series:  Encountering Fear at the Threshold of Leaving

In this episode: "Letting go needn't be truly feared.  Letting go can become a friend to us, releasing us into the flow of an abundant and growthful life."  

380:  Letting the Church Go With Graciousness

This episode opens up the last chapters of my time as host of A Thoughtful Faith Podcast.  I aim to hang up the mic at the end of the 2022.  The remainder of my time with the podcast will be devoted to faith reconstruction and exploring  how to have a good church ending and an even better spiritual beginning.

379:  The Beginning of the End:  Gina Colvin

Some years ago, Tali Aitofi found Mormon podcasts and became hooked.  But Tali isn't Mormon, he's Pentecostal.  His faith journey has played out with the hum of Mormon faith crises in the background.  Tali recently came out as gay; he left his family church, and is currently suffering from a life threatening illness.  All of this has caused deep and searching questions.   Tali joins me to talk about his life journey and how the Netflix series Midnight Mass spoke to his larger  questions about church, God, Jesus, shame and forgiveness. 

312: Spiritually Full, Religiously Included: Michael Wright

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