Reply #4: I actually tried the Episcopalians...

[huskerlaw]

about 2 years ago. There's a VERY liberal congregation in Pasadena. In fact, I went there after hearing that they were under investigation by the IRS for, well, basically for being liberal.

I loved the congregation. I really did. They had fabulous groups and were politically active...but it was too ritualistic for me. Just one step too close to a Catholic service. Plus, Pasadena is a solid 30 minute drive for me, even on a Sunday morning, so it would have been almost impossible to get involved in any groups that met during the week.

I ended up only going twice, basically because I could have seen myself easily pretending to agree with the dogma just to get involved in the political/social activities. While I do want to get involved wherever I end up, I want it to be for the right reasons. Also, I really don't think I was ready. I felt very hypocritical going through the motions when I really didn't believe any of it.

Anyway, I went twice and then didn't step foot into another church for 2 years (aside from being dragged back to my childhood church last Christmas). But I'm ready to give it another go. If the UCC's don't work out for me for whatever reason, I might try an Episcopal church closer to home. We'll see...it's an adventure!