We had a key couple (with four children) abruptly divorce and leave the church . . . with no warning.

During the major adult Sunday school meeting the pastor mentioned that we should pray for them and that no one knew what happened. I said (with some distress in my voice), “Of course no one knew it was coming because there is no where in this church were you can speak honestly about what’s going on in your real life without fear of condemnation. My marriage isn’t perfect but I can’t talk about it here.”

The pastor’s mom responded in anger, “God’s House (meaning that church I guess) is NO PLACE to air your dirty laundry!”

I responded, an I’m sorry to say, also in anger, “If not the church then WHERE?!” I lost a few more friends that day and I’m left perplexed over it.