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There’s a story in The Province newspaper today about a 17-year old teenager who recently felt she had to quit her church.

Tory Inglis felt she was no longer welcome at the First Presbyterian Church in New Westminster (part of metro Vancouver) after they confronted her about a picture of her at the recent Pride celebrations.

Tory is a brave, young individual and it’s awesome to see her stand up herself, and it’s even better to see her parents stand with her.

It’s dangerous to hold too tightly on to any tradition. Growing up in that church probably meant a lot more to Tory than I will ever know (having never grown up in a church), and I’m sure she’s thinking that she will lose many friends in the process. If any tradition requires you to hate yourself, it’s not one worth keeping.

And Tory, if I may speak directly to you, don’t feel that you have to join another church this fall as you plan to. Take some time to discover yourself and your beliefs. Check out a number of different organizations and question everything. Try the BC Humanists or Centre for Inquiry Vancouver, as both of our groups marched together in the parade this year.

See, we’re a bunch of smiling, friendly people. :-)

Now stop worrying, and enjoy your life.