Check out this bittersweet article about Grace Community United Church in Saint Paul. In 2005, when Reverend Oliver White voted in favor of the UCC’s endorsement of same-sex marriage, he lost parishioners. After the vote, over 70 percent have not returned over time. That’s the bitter part.

This has created financial hardship for the small church and in February, White sent out 40 letters to congregations across the country. This is where the sweet part comes in. The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas raised $15,000 on behalf of Grace Community and presented the check on February 26.

While this money will help the church survive until at least this coming summer, the future is still unknown. Unfortunately, the cost of supporting gay marriage is still high within many religious circles.

As Dolly Parton once said, “If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” Well, Grace Community, it’s time for your rainbow. Keep the faith and thank you for your continued support.