Also, the sparrows outside will eat bread crumbs from your hands, which is kind of worth the trip. Another must-see is the cathedral at Cologne, btw, which rivals Notre Dame in magnificence.

But you know, while I enjoy visiting cathedrals and I love progressive churches for their inclusive stances, that kind of church experience isn’t the experience I was raised with. I actually have a lot of good memories centered around music and traditions. Especially this time of year.

My own negativity and my own reason for not stepping foot in a church, except for mostly the same reasons you named, is that I’m not interested in going back to a place that rejected me.

I can be happy progressive churches exist, but the music is different, the ambiance is different, the entire experience is different.

I don’t know what I’d do if Baptist and similar churches stopped being homophobic, transphobic and sexist. When I go and join in a chorus of Amazing Grace or Silent Night?

Maybe, but I doubt I’ll ever have to make that decision.

Sorry for the ramble!