Hi there

[flawed]

I've been lurking on here for a while now and thought it was time for me to say hello to everyone. My family roots run very deep in the coc so unfortunately I do not see a way out, although mentally I left a long time ago. This board has helped me tremendously and it's been so comforting realizing there are people like me out there. I'm in a very conflicted time in my life right now, and I'm just so grateful this place exists.

[agricola]

Hey there, and you are certainly not alone - probably not even 'at church': if you are in the closet, you probably have several others in there too - each thinking they are alone in there.

Welcome to the ex board, and enjoy your visits.

[FinallyFree]

I am sorry you feel trapped. I know the feeling! I never thought the day would come when I would be able to leave, but amazingly, it did and everything worked out.

[Tsathoggua]

Welcome aboard! I continued attending for a long time after I stopped believing, myself.

[coffeegrammy]

Welcome. I'm like you...been lurking and just recently joined. I am certain that you are not alone. Who knows..maybe even an elder or the preacher in the congregation are afraid to "come out." Here is a link to a site by a former coc preacher. He gives a lot of insight into the pressure "the brotherhood" can put on individuals.

http://www.kevinpendergrass.com/

[bnot]

Welcome to the forum. I felt trapped too, but I quietly slipped away. I now attend a non coc and I have grown more in two years than my time with the coc. It's not easy getting out, but I hope you can find a way.