THE GAY PREACHER'S WIFE

THE GAY PREACHER’S WIFE is the memoir of a woman who discovers her preacher husband is gay after twenty years of marriage, and how, through her faith, she is able to create a ministry focused on love and acceptance.

Religious belief continues to be an important factor in opposition to societal acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Overall, the share of Americans who say that homosexuality should be accepted by society has increased from 47% to 60% over the past decade, while the percentage saying it should be discouraged has fallen from 45% to 31%. Yet among those who attend religious services weekly or more, there continues to be slightly more opposition than support for societal acceptance of homosexuality. And when the nearly one-third of Americans who say homosexuality should be discouraged are asked in an open-ended question why they feel this way, by far the most common reason –given by 52% – is that homosexuality conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs.

In the United States same-sex marriage is recognized by the federal government and has been legalized in 37 U.S. states the District of Columbia and 21 Native American tribal jurisdictions. More than 70% of the population live in jurisdictions where same-sex couples can legally marry.

Lydia Meredith is the owner of Beacon Hope - Renaissance Learning Center. She was married to Reverend Dennis A. Meredith, who, with 29 years of pastoral experience in the Black Baptist Church, is openly Gay-Bisexual and leading a congregation of over 1000 members, 80% of which are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Lydia and Dennis divorced in 2007 but have remained close friends. Lydia and their three sons currently serve with him at the church