Nigeria’s first gay pastor, founder of secret gay church, House of Rainbow, Rowland Jide Macaulay, says he is proud to have come out in the open, even though he is still trying to get over his families’ rejection.
Macaulay revealed how he felt after being rejected by family and friends over his sexual status.
The homosexual pastor revealed on his Facebook page how he had on several occasions thought of committing suicide.
He wrote: I’m not ashamed of being who I am. Although I am happy to have divorced my ex-wife in 1994, I regret not knowing of my sexual preference before I got married.
“I am truly not worried as the inclusive Christian ministry with House of Rainbow brings me in contact with many people who are same gender loving, thousands of people around the world just like me.
“Above all I have encountered God with unimaginable love.
“To be rejected by family hurts, especially parent and children.
“I had to block another family member and unapologetically shared with another, who is willing to listen.
“Since I came out as gay, I have thought several times of taking my own life, the rejection cuts deep into my heart and soul, but knowing Christ and believing in an awesome God has been a better option.
“To be able, on a daily basis tell gay people God love us just the way we are is a humbling experience and I thank God for calling me.
“GAY means God Adores You, God Accepts You, God Affirms You.
“Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
“Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
“I am not ashamed to be gay, I regret not knowing better before I got married to a woman in 1991, thank God I was divorced by 1994. There are many millions of stories only if we pay attention.
“I thought I will share this, I apologise if this is uncomfortable. But I needed to share. God bless you. Jide Macaulay.”