Speaking for myself, my very integrity as a human being needs to include my freedom to explore who I am both spiritually and sexually. Not just to explore - but to practice.

Seriously, however, I learn a lot about my physical life in the aging and changing of my body.

Five days a week I drive from our home to the Episcopal Cathedral Center of Los Angeles where I have an office, my computer, and a wonderful sense of community - especially nurtured by the presence of several younger gay men and women who are good friends.

I have osteoarthritis, which especially affects my knees.

Real answers need to be found in dialogue and interaction and, yes, our shared human condition. This means being open to one another instead of simply fighting to maintain a prescribed position.

However one might pray - in any verbal way or completely without words - is unimportant to God. What matters is the heart's intent.

Jesus is an example. We have other examples, including many of our ancestors as role models who understood the inner meaning of our orientation.