I’m a former Southern Baptist who is beginning RCIA this fall. My family (Mom, Dad, Sister, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins) are all devout Southern Baptists. When I break the news of my conversion, it will come as a shock, and I am expecting a tough road ahead. I’m divorced, and I share custody of my nine year old son, who I want to raise in the Church as well. I’m expecting much more resistance and emotion from my family on this point than from my ex-wife. Does anyone have similar experiences or any advice on how to break the news? I would also greatly appreciate any suggestions on books or online material that would be helpful as well.
I have to say that many of my family members are non-practicing Southern Baptist, or just plain Baptist. Even more so my mother’s close family-friend is an ex-Catholic become Baptist Preacher. For many in my family it came as a complete shock, my mother, who still in some ways does not like the fact I am Catholic. Cousins who are Atheist told me I would stay Catholic I would give it up after six months!
But, the worst was the ex-Catholic (first off I never knew he was until his email he sent me) who wrote to me condemning me for choosing to becoming Catholic, he quotes verses from the Bible and even told me that I would be sent to hell (I am not quoting some of his words correctly for it has been over four/five years since that letter was written and I cannot seem to find it).
I would suggest one of the greatest tools is knowing who to tell first, who do you know is the most understanding. For me there were three people: my Daddy, my great-grandmother, and my great-uncle. They stood by me when the family learned of the news of my upcoming conversion to Catholicism.
Daddy was the greatest of help I received. You see, my Daddy who mind you was raised Southern Baptist told me to tell look up the Gospel of Matthew which states Jesus said to Peter is the rock for which Jesus would make the foundation of the Church upon and handed Peter the keys. Daddy defended the Papacy! He supported me so much that he sat in the front with me during Easter Vigil for my Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion.
Another thing, remember there are many of us praying for you and many of them are in the parish you are going to for RCIA, you have priests who are there. Remember to pray for your family because they know not what they are doing, but remember you have a family, you are a child of God. Look towards those in the parish, they might be able to help to listen.
I have no book suggestions, but that is because most of the books I read during and after my conversion were just to deepen my understanding of the Church. Most of how I dealt with the rejection from those who I love so much because I chose Jesus and His Church were thanks to spiritual means and human connections.
Hope this helps a little!
I waited until after the Easter Vigil to inform my former employer and friend that I had converted. Her whole family was upset. The only advice I would have is to be able to give a defendable reason for converting.