Covet Thy Neighbor (Tucker Springs)

by L.A. Witt

“Because you’re fucking preaching out of the same goddamned book they used to fucking disown me!”

“You’re not afraid of Christians, Seth. You’re afraid of being loved.”

“Religious differences may seem like a petty thing to avoid, but I’ve already lost too many people I love over this.

“But the congregation still wasn’t happy. And the elders, the deaconess, the pastor….”

“When all was said and done, they came to an agreement that it would be better for everyone involved if I left the congregation.”

“I never did a damned thing to any of those kids,” he whispered. “But I was kicked out because people got it into their heads that I might. Because I’m gay, and so….”

“The congregation is very open-minded, and probably better than half are gay themselves. Plus the pastor’s brother was gay. But… pastors move around, congregations change. Anything’s possible, really.”

invite me to a neighborhood barbecue but then subtly try to keep me away from all the kids.”

“I’m not good at putting a lot of faith into anything.” I touched his face and drew him closer. “But I think I can make an exception for you.”