Mary Lou Wallner lost her lesbian Christian daughter to suicide in February of 1997. Being raised in a fundamentalist, legalistic church environment, Mary Lou was taught the untruth that homosexuality is a sin. Her journey from "tragedy to transformation" is nothing short of amazing. She and her husband, Bob, are strong allies for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender people. They have a sincere desire to see the church accept and welcome GLBT people just the way God made them, and they spearhead a weekly Bible study in their home for GLBT Christians. She operates TEACH Ministries (To Educate About the Consequences of Homophobia) through public speaking, brochures, workshops, videos, and books. Mary Lou says:
"No matter what else happens in my life, I will always acknowledge the pain and tragedy of Anna’s suicide. However, her death has also brought me face-to-face with the untruth I have been taught throughout my life by the church. My transformation has occurred through a wonderful gift given to me by God: getting to know, understand, and love GLBTA (Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgenders, and Allies). I am now proud to call myself an ally and am honored to count these children of God amongst my closest and dearest friends. This new awareness has been supported through intense study of biblical passages, as well as continued dialogue with individuals on both sides of the issue. I hope Dr. Dobson and his staff at Focus on the Family will take some time out of their busy schedules to hear my story and open their hearts to a new understanding."
For more information about their story, please go to www.teach-ministries.org