Mary Lou Wallner
In 1988, Mary Lou Wallner received a letter from her daughter Anna, who was away at college at the time. In the letter, Anna described how throughout the years lots had happened to her with regard to sexuality and had realized she was comfortable with women. She asked that her mother accept her. But Mary Lou Wallner couldn’t accept her daughter’s life. Eight years later her daughter committed suicide. Anna’s death inspired Mary Lou to seriously consider how her religious beliefs prevented her from loving her daughter the way she was. She and her husband Bob started TEACH Ministries, which stands for To Educate About the Consequences of Homophobia. And Mary Lou is now featured in a documentary called “For the Bible Tells Me So.” Mary Lou Wallner speaks with Faith Salie on Fair Game.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!