Bishop Jim Swilley, founder of the most prominent mega church in east Atlanta, Church in the Now, told his congregation recently that he is gay. Swilley, who had been twice married and a father of four, said he knew he was gay since he was a young boy, but would not have known what to call his sexual orientation at the time. He has kept his secret for over twenty years and earlier this year divorced his wife, Debye. Swilley said that his wife pushed him come out of the closet.
Swilley, who is also pastor of the mega church in Rockdale County in Atlanta, said he is coming out at this time because of the recent spate of gay teen suicides. He told his congregation that he did not choose to be gay and that it is his orientation.
According to news reports, Swilley will step down as Bishop, but will remain as pastor of the church.
See Bishop Jim Swilley discuss his sexual orientation here.
