Religion not allowing intimacy.

[Ivantill]

Hi, I didn't really know where to go for this, I'm sorry.

So a bit of context, I'm 20 and my partner is 22. We started dating 8 months ago but we've been friends for years, I consider him my best friend, my soulmate even (yeah I know how that sounds) .

My religion doesn't allow me to be intimate with him.
We rarely hug or kiss on the lips but we have a very deep emotional connection and we show our affection in various different ways that don't require physical interactions.

Things is, he's always been a very sensual and sexual person, he loves intimacy and the act in general and I know it's difficult for him, sometimes he has to step away because of it and obviously I hate to see him like that. He says that he doesn't mind but I know I'm being selfish.

Are there any ways I could satisfy him without going against my faith ? I know it's a really stupid question and it's mad embarrassing but I'm completely lost. I love him and I want him to have his needs met.

[Vince40372]

I am an ordained Christian minister and a proud ‘out’ gay man. I have not read anything in scripture that condemns sex between two homosexual, consensual men of equal stature. Withholding pleasure for your partner is a cruel, useless endeavor.