Danny Cortez (DC) and Drew Cortez (DrC)

DC: That morning I came to church, my blood pressure was super high. I felt so much stress, and everyone was wondering what’s going on.

<Sermon tape fades in>

I recently revealed to the elders that I have changed my stance on homosexuality…

DC: But I remember as I was speaking, I felt empowered like I hadn’t felt in such a long time. I knew that what I was sharing that Sunday was important.

I was driving my son Drew to school, and he turned over to me and he says, “Dad, I’m gay.” I remember I just turned around and I hugged him so hard. And I said, “I love you so much, son.

What was going through your mind when I was giving my sermon?

DrC: I felt vulnerable, and I just remember thinking what was going to happen after this. This is our life now.

And so when I was asked a question recently, ‘How does it feel to know that you might be terminated in a few weeks. I said I’m at peace. I’m at peace because I know my heart has been enlarged.’

DC: When I sat down, I felt like this weight had just been lifted out of me, and people knew where we stood. At the same time, I know Drew your struggle has been even more difficult than mine.

Did you ever feel like you were the problem?

DrC: All the time.

DC: What stands out to you?

DrC: Probably my name and the word abomination used in the same sentence.

DC: As a father it was so difficult to hear that because we felt like they didn’t know our son. So there’s part of me that says yes I want to love people that disagree with me who disagree with us. But the other part of me now is asking but how can I do it in way that honors you.

I know that whatever happens, compassion is giving me clarity. It’s giving me clarity in my purpose. And I pray that our church will survive this.