Swilley was married for 21 years before getting a divorce. According to Swilley, his wife knew he was gay. The couple had children together.

According to Edge Boston

The recent rash of suicides by gay youths who were tormented at school for their sexuality provided the impetus for Swilley’s public disclosure, the pastor told Atlanta news station WSB-TV. As a father..." Swilley began, sounding choked up, before starting again. "Think about your 16, 17-year-old killing themselves. I thought somebody needed to say something."

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WSBTV also reported the story.

As did The Rockville Citizen.

Swilley is also on

Facebook , where I sent him a a message thanking him for his courage.

UPDATE: His Facebook page is exploding with words of support. His friends listing has jumped by thousands and is near the FB limit. God Bless the young generation, the shepherds of the future. I am so grateful to teach them.

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