I felt a connection with Steve the day I met him but had I not decided to try to pursue a relationship we would never be together.
I think you should go for it.
There is a possibility things could get awkward at school if the relationship turned sour but that might not happen.
As you stated whether or not she's a member of your church (whatever church it is) does not matter. Your happiness is more important than whether or not your family approves of her. After all, you're the one that's gonna sleep with her, not them.
You might feel a bit rusty at dating but there's no better way to get back in the swing of things than by practice. Start slow & ask her to hang out with you somewhere for lunch or something.
Go out with her and see if you two have chemistry or not.
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