Religious leader exposes teenager, advocating for acceptance and diversity in response

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a family from Crown Point, Indiana, has been left reeling after their local church, Bethel Church, took action against their son, Bryce Fech, due to his sexuality. The family, who have been members of the church for Bryce's entire life, have now chosen to pursue their faith at a new Crown Point church.

Bryce Fech, a 14-year-old who has been attending Sunday school, weekly church services, and a religious education program called Awana since he was a toddler, served as an assistant peer leader throughout his sixth-grade year and became a leader of his own group of participants as a seventh grader in Awana. However, last year, he was removed from his leadership position due to his sexuality.

The name of the church where Bryce Fech and his family were members before 2024 remains undisclosed. Bethel Church, whose website states it is a nondenominational church, posted a statement on their website stating they welcome everyone seeking biblical truth, but maintain their views on human sexuality. The statement, which follows the Bible's teaching that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, was removed from the website shortly after a report from the Post-Tribune.

Bryce Fech's father, Matt Fech, sent a cease and desist letter to the Bethel Pastor Steve DeWitt due to his disappointment with Bethel's views and shared his son's many accomplishments within the church. The family was informed that Bryce Fech would not be able to serve at Bethel Church in any capacity, including leadership ministry, performing roles at the church's services, volunteering at their food pantry, and involvement in worship music.

The family's ordeal took a further turn when Bryce Fech was devastated to learn he could no longer attend a religious summer camp due to his sexuality. Two days before he and his older sister, Kenna Fech, were scheduled to leave for camp, they received a call from the camp director informing them that Bryce Fech would not be welcome.

The family has received support from community members, some of whom shared stories of how they have been "church hurt." Matt Fech hopes the family's message reaches both religious leaders and parents of children who choose to share their sexuality with their families. He emphasises that Bryce considers his sexuality to be a part of his identity, not a "lifestyle choice."

In a shocking turn of events, Bethel Church's director of kids ministry, Melissa Anderson, called the camp director to inform him of Bryce Fech's sexuality. Nicole Fech, Bryce Fech's mother, received a voicemail from Anderson asking if Bryce Fech was still living the same "lifestyle" in a same-sex relationship. Nicole Fech, who grew up in a Baptist church that believed homosexuality was a sin, was taken aback by the call.

The family has chosen to pursue their faith at a new Crown Point church, where Bryce Fech was approached by one of the lead pastors. Bethel Church aims to walk alongside everyone with humility and grace, according to their statement. However, their actions towards Bryce Fech and his family seem to contradict this statement.

The Fech family's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acceptance and love in religious communities. Their experience highlights the need for churches to foster an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, feels welcome and valued.

Religious leader exposes teenager, advocating for acceptance and diversity in response