1 /5 Robert Hudson: This church almost single-handedly made me lose faith in God. The experience I had was quite in contrast to the mission that Incarnation claims is their purpose. I was not welcomed, as they claim all are. Neither was I given a chance to come back. What was the reason for my shunning? Apparently the fact I formerly dated a member of the congregation meant that Father Joshua Lickter specifically asked me to not come back. After I had taken him out to eat twice and opened my heart to him and the church over the course of months, I was turned away and though he promised me of his own accord that I would have a Plain English Bible and an opportunity for Bible Study, he followed up on none of what he gave his word to. I am an honest man, and one who came asking for help earnestly. To be shown this lack of faith in the meaning of my religious journey has done irreparable harm to my belief in the message of Christianity. I no longer believe in honest forgiveness by churchgoers or even, for that matter, by God, for if this is one of His messengers, I am surely not welcomed by him. Father Lickter had the opportunity to help me find a different place or means of worship, but like his other promises, he didn’t follow through. He said he would call back to give me help in a day or two, but then waited a week to simply call me to inform me I was no longer welcome at his church. Just to make it clear, I was welcomed warmly by the congregation, and I was respectful and created no problems through my actions. I’ve been ceaselessly respectful and kind in my interactions with those of the church and the associated Fig Tree Coffeeshop. Being asked not to come back makes me doubt the entire message of this church, this congregation, their mission, and the faith they represent.
