Christianity and homosexuality

History

Main article: History of Christianity and homosexuality, The Bible and homosexuality

The Hebrew Bible and its traditional interpretations in Judaism and Christianity have historically affirmed and endorsed a patriarchal and heteronormative approach towards human sexuality, endorsing exclusively penetrative vaginal intercourse between men and women within the boundaries of marriage over all other forms of human sexual activity, including autoeroticism, masturbation, oral sex, non-penetrative and non-heterosexual sexual intercourse (all of which have been labeled as "sodomy" at various times).

They have believed and taught that such behaviors are forbidden because they are considered sinful, and further compared to or derived from the behavior of the alleged residents of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, the status of LGBTQ people in early Christianity is debated.

The history of Christianity and homosexuality has been much debated with these disagreements often concerning the translations of certain phrases, or the meaning and context of some biblical passages.

The extent to which the Bible mentions the subject, whether or not it is condemned, and whether the various passages apply today, have become contentious topics in the 20th and 21st centuries. Significant debate has arisen over the proper interpretation of the Levitical code; the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah; and various Pauline passages which appear to condemn same-sex sexual activities.

Christian denominational positions

Main article: List of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality

Catholic Church

Main article: Catholic Church and homosexuality

The Catholic Church views as sinful any sexual act not related to procreation by a couple joined in marriage. The Church states that "homosexual tendencies" are "objectively disordered", but does not consider the tendency itself to be sinful but rather a temptation toward sin.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies[...] must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity" and that "every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." The Church opposes criminal penalties against homosexuality. The Catholic Church requires those who are attracted to people of the same (or opposite) sex to practise chastity, because it teaches that sexuality should only be practised within marriage, which includes chaste sex as permanent, procreative, heterosexual, and monogamous. The Vatican distinguishes between "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" and the "expression of a transitory problem", in relation to ordination to the priesthood; saying in a 2005 document that homosexual tendencies "must be clearly overcome at least three years before ordination to the diaconate."

A 2011 report based on telephone surveys of self-identified American Catholics conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 56% believe that sexual relations between two people of the same sex are not sinful. Research indicates that the Catholic Church's teachings on sexual conduct are "a major source of conflict and distress" to LGBTQ Catholics.

In January 2018, German bishop Franz-Josef Bode of the Diocese of Osnabrück, and in February 2018 German Catholic cardinal Reinhard Marx, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, said in interviews with German journalists that blessing of same-sex unions is possible in Catholic churches in Germany. In Austria blessing of same sex unions is performed in two churches located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Linz. In 2021, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith clarified that same-sex civil unions cannot be blessed.

On 11 March 2023, the Synodal Path with support of over 80 percentage of German Roman Catholic bishops allowed liturgical blessing ceremonies for same-sex unions in all 27 German Roman Catholic diocese. A similar decision had been taken a few months earlier by the Flemish bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Belgium. Both decisions received strong condemnation by the Holy See and by conservative Catholic clergy: Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated that the German bishops had no authority over the issue and Cardinal Wim Eijk urged Flemish bishops to withdraw their decision.

On 18 December 2023, non-liturgical blessings of same-sex couples in the document Fiducia supplicans were approved by Pope Francis and published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. However, "it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage".

Orthodox churches

The Eastern Orthodox churches condemn homosexual acts. The Orthodox Church shares a long history of church teachings and canon law with the Catholic Church and has a similar conservative stance on homosexuality. Some Orthodox Church jurisdictions, such as the Orthodox Church in America, have taken the approach of welcoming people with "homosexual feelings and emotions", while encouraging them to work towards "overcoming its harmful effects in their lives", while not allowing the sacraments to people who seek to justify homosexual activity. Other Orthodox Churches, such as those in Eastern Europe and Greece, view homosexuality less favourably. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America lists homosexuality (along with fornication, adultery, and more) as "immoral and inappropriate", based on a belief that homosexuality breaks up the institution of marriage and family. A 2017 Pew Research Center poll found that the majority of Orthodox Christians in the Eastern European and former USSR states surveyed believe that homosexuality "should not be accepted by society"; 45% of Orthodox Christians in Greece and 31% in the United States answered the same way.

In July 2022, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America baptized two babies adopted by clothing designers Evanggelos Bousis and Peter Dundas, making him the first Greek Orthodox bishop to baptize children adopted by gay couples. According to the metropolitan in whose diocese the baptism took place (Antonios of Glyfada), Elpidophoros did not inform him in advance that the baptism in question was to be performed for a gay couple. Metropolitan Antonios reported Elpidophoros to the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, which issued a formal protest to both Elpidophoros and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Protestant churches

Inclusive position

Certain other Christian denominations do not view monogamous same-sex relationships as sinful or immoral, and may bless such unions and consider them marriages. These include the United Church of Canada, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, all German Lutheran, reformed and united churches in EKD, all Swiss reformed churches, the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, the United Protestant Church in Belgium, the United Protestant Church of France, the Church of Denmark, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Iceland, the Church of Norway, and the Uniting Church in Australia. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland also allows prayer for same-sex couples. The Metropolitan Community Church was founded specifically to serve the Christian LGBTQ community. The Global Alliance of Affirming Apostolic Pentecostals (GAAAP) traces its roots back to 1980, making it the oldest LGBT-affirming Apostolic Pentecostal denomination in existence. Another such organization is the Affirming Pentecostal Church International, currently the largest affirming Pentecostal organization, with churches in the US, UK, Central and South America, Europe and Africa.

LGBT-affirming denominations regard homosexuality as a natural occurrence. The United Church of Christ celebrates gay marriage, and some parts of the Anglican and Lutheran churches allow for the blessing of gay unions. The United Church of Canada also allows same-sex marriage, and views sexual orientation as a gift from God. Within the Anglican Communion, there are openly gay clergy; for example, Gene Robinson is an openly gay Bishop in the US Episcopal Church. Within the Lutheran communion, there are openly gay clergy, too; for example, bishop Eva Brunne is an openly lesbian bishop in the Church of Sweden. Such religious groups and denominations interpret scripture and doctrine in a way that leads them to accept that homosexuality is morally acceptable, and a natural occurrence. For example, in 1988 the United Church of Canada, that country's largest Protestant denomination, affirmed that "a) All persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, who profess Jesus Christ and obedience to Him, are welcome to be or become full members of the Church; and b) All members of the Church are eligible to be considered for the Ordered Ministry." In 2000, the Church's General Assembly further affirmed that "human sexual orientations, whether heterosexual or homosexual, are a gift from God and part of the marvelous diversity of creation."

In addition, some Christian denominations such as the Moravian Church, believe that the Bible speaks negatively of homosexual acts but, as research on the matter continues, the Moravian Church seeks to establish a policy on homosexuality and the ordination of homosexuals. In 2014, Moravian Church in Europe allowed blessings of same-sex unions.

Liberal Quakers, those in membership of Britain Yearly Meeting and Friends General Conference in the US and some Conservative Quaker Yearly Meetings approve of same-sex marriage and union. Quakers were the first Christian group in the United Kingdom to advocate for equal marriage and Quakers in Britain formally recognised same-sex relationships in 1963.

The United Methodist Church elected a lesbian bishop in 2016, and on 7 May 2018, the Council of Bishops proposed the One Church Plan, which would allow individual pastors and regional church bodies to decide whether to ordain LGBTQ clergy and perform same-sex weddings. On 26 February 2019, a special session of the General Conference rejected the One Church Plan and voted to strengthen its official opposition to same-sex marriages and ordaining openly LGBTQ clergy. At the 2024 General Conference, 93% of delegates voted to lift existing bans on the ordination of LGBTQ+ people and the hosting of same-sex marriages.

Various positions

Anglican

Main article: Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion

Since 1998, the Anglican Church has reassured people with same sex attraction they are loved by God and are welcomed as full members of the Body of Christ. The Church leadership has a variety of views in regard to homosexual expression and ordination. Some expressions of sexuality are considered sinful including "promiscuity, prostitution, incest, pornography, paedophilia, predatory sexual behaviour, and sadomasochism (all of which may be heterosexual and homosexual)". The Church is concerned with pressures on young people to engage sexually and encourages abstinence.

At the 13th Lambeth Conference in 1998, homosexuality was the most hotly debated issue. It was finally decided, by a vote of 526–70, to pass a resolution (1.10) calling for a "listening process" but stating (in an amendment passed by a vote of 389–190) that "homosexual practice" (not necessarily orientation) is "incompatible with Scripture". Reflecting on resolution 1.10 in the lead up to Lambeth 2022, Angela Tilby recalled the intervention of Bishop Michael Bourke, who successfully proposed an amendment which said: "We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons". Tilby considered that while the amendment had appeared inconsequential at the time, it had indeed been significant: she said that the idea of "patient listening" underpinned the Church of England's process "Living in Love and Faith".

Lutheran

Main article: Homosexuality and Lutheranism

Churches within Lutheranism hold stances on the issue ranging from labeling homosexual acts as sinful, to acceptance of homosexual relationships. For example, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, the Lutheran denomination in Ethiopia, and second largest non-united Lutheran denomination in the world, has taken a stand that marriage is inherently between a man and a woman, and has formally broken fellowship with the ELCA. The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the Lutheran Church of Australia, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod recognize homosexual behavior as intrinsically sinful and seek to minister to those who are struggling with homosexual inclinations. However, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Denmark, the Church of Norway, or Lutheran churches of the Evangelical Church in Germany conducts same-sex marriages, while the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada opens the ministry of the church to gay pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships.

Rejecting position

Some mainline Protestant denominations, such as the African Methodist churches, the Reformed Church in America, and the Presbyterian Church in America, Christian Reformed Church in North America also oppose LGBTQ relationships.

Quakers within the Friends United Meeting and the Evangelical Friends Church International believe that sexual relations are condoned only in marriage, which they define to be between a man and a woman.

Confessional Lutheran churches teach that it is sinful to have homosexual desires, even if they do not lead to homosexual activity. The Doctrinal statement issued by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod states that making a distinction between homosexual orientation and the act of homosexuality is confusing:

However, confessional Lutherans also warn against selective morality which harshly condemns homosexuality while treating other sins more lightly.

Evangelical churches

The positions of the evangelical churches are varied, according to denominations. Some evangelical denominations have adopted neutral positions, leaving the choice to local churches to decide for same-sex marriage. Others strongly oppose same-sex marriage, same-sex sexual activity, and expression of gay/lesbian/bisexual identity generally.

Evangelical Conservative positions

Some Evangelical Christians regard homosexual acts as sinful and think they should not be accepted by society. They tend to interpret biblical verses on homosexual acts to mean that the heterosexual family was created by God to be the bedrock of civilization and that same-sex relationships contradict God's design for marriage and is not his will. Christians who oppose homosexual relationships sometimes argue that same-gender sexual activity is a sin.

In opposing interpretations of the Bible that are supportive of homosexual relationships, conservative Christians have argued for the reliability of the Bible, and the meaning of texts related to homosexual acts, while often seeing what they call the diminishing of the authority of the Bible by many homosexual authors as being ideologically driven.

As an alternative to a school-sponsored Day of Silence opposing bullying of LGBTQ students, conservative Christians organized a Golden Rule Initiative, where they passed out cards saying "As a follower of Christ, I believe that all people are created in the image of God and therefore deserve love and respect."{{cite news

On 29 August 2017, the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood released a manifesto on human sexuality known as the "Nashville Statement". The statement was signed by 150 evangelical leaders, and includes 14 points of belief.

Fundamentalist position

Some fundamentalist conservative anti-LGBT activists on TV and radio accuse homosexual people of a gay agenda and of being responsible for social problems, such as terrorism. Fundamentalists also regularly accuse homosexuals of being responsible for natural disasters. Some evangelical churches in Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria strongly oppose homosexuality and homosexuals as well as the LGTBQ community at large. They have campaigned for laws criminalizing homosexuality.

Moderate position

Some churches have a moderate Conservative position. They only support sexuality in marriage between a man and a woman, but show sympathy and respect towards homosexual people. Churches thus see themselves as "welcoming, but not affirming". This expression has its origin in the book Welcoming but Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality published in 1998 by the American Baptist theologian Stanley Grenz.

Organizations

The French Evangelical Alliance, a member of the European Evangelical Alliance and the World Evangelical Alliance, adopted on 12 October 2002, through its National Council, a document entitled Foi, espérance et homosexualité ("Faith, Hope and Homosexuality"), in which homophobia, hatred and rejection of homosexuals are condemned, but which denies homosexual practices and full church membership of unrepentant homosexuals and those who approve of these practices. In 2015, the Conseil national des évangéliques de France (French National Council of Evangelicals) reaffirmed its position on the issue by opposing marriage of same-sex couples, while not rejecting homosexuals, but wanting to offer them more than a blessing; an accompaniment and a welcome.

The French evangelical pastor Philippe Auzenet, a chaplain of the association Oser en parler, regularly intervenes on the subject in the media. It promotes dialogue and respect, as well as sensitization in order to better understand homosexuals. He also said in 2012 that Jesus would go to a gay bar, because he was going to all people with love.

Inclusive position

International

There are international progressive Christian associations that allow blessings of same-sex marriage, such as the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists and The Covenant Network (Pentecostal).

U.S.

A 2014 survey reported that 43% of white evangelical American Christians between the ages of 18 and 33 supported same-sex marriage. Some evangelical churches celebrate blessings of same-sex marriage. The change in beliefs in favor of blessings of same-sex marriage in evangelical churches has certain consequences for them. Various churches thus received an excommunication from their Christian denomination for not respecting the confession of faith. Other churches have faced significant departures of members from their congregations, seeing their financial resources diminish. Other churches have registered a record number of new members.

Neutral positions

Some evangelical associations have adopted neutral positions, leaving the choice to local churches to decide for same-sex marriage.

Denominational positions

Anabaptism

Main article: Homosexuality and Mennonites

Most Mennonite associations hold a conservative position on homosexuality.

Some Mennonite associations, such as the Mennonite Church in the Netherlands, the Mennonite Church Canada and the Mennonite Church USA allow local churches to decide about blessings of same-sex marriage. The Supportive Communities Network brings together inclusive churches and universities.

Baptist

Main article: Homosexuality and Baptist churches

Most Baptist associations in the world only support marriage between a man and a woman.

Some Baptist associations allow local churches to decide about blessings of same-sex marriage, such as the American Baptist Churches USA, the Progressive National Baptist Convention (USA), the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (USA), the National Baptist Convention, USA and the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

Some inclusive Baptist associations support blessings of same-sex marriage, such as the Alliance of Baptists (USA), the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (USA), the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms, the Aliança de Batistas do Brasil, the Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba,, the Open Baptists Association (Australia) and the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (international).

Pentecostalism

Main article: Homosexuality and Pentecostalism

Most Pentecostal associations take a conservative stance on homosexuality.

The Covenant Network was formed in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and allow same-sex marriage. According to a denomination census released in 2023, it has 18 churches in 3 countries.

Restorationist churches

Restorationist churches, such as Seventh-Day Adventists, generally teach that homosexuals are 'broken' and can be 'fixed'. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that "The Bible condemns sexual activity that is not between a husband and wife, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:18)[...] While the Bible disapproves of homosexual acts, it does not condone hatred of homosexuals or homophobia. Instead, Christians are directed to "respect everyone."—1 Peter 2:17, Good News Translation." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in 2015 that it officially welcomes its gay and lesbian members, if they choose sexual abstinence. The Community of Christ, a branch of Mormonism, fully accepts LGBTQ persons, performs weddings for gay and lesbian couples, and ordains LGBTQ members. Within the Stone-Campbell aligned restorationist churches the views are divergent. The churches of Christ (A Capella) and the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ mostly adhere to a conservative position on LGBTQ members and will not perform weddings for gay and lesbian couples. The Disciples of Christ, is fully accepting of LGBTQ persons, often performs weddings for gay and lesbian couples, and ordains LGBTQ members. The United Church of Christ is an officially "open and affirming" church. Other Restorationist churches such as Millerite churches, have taken mixed positions but are increasingly accepting with some of their congregations fully accepting LGBTQ persons in all aspects of religious and political life. The Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains that homosexual sex itself is forbidden in the Bible.

Views supportive of homosexuality

In the 20th century, theologians like Jürgen Moltmann, Hans Küng, John Robinson, Bishop David Jenkins, Don Cupitt, and Bishop Jack Spong challenged traditional theological positions and understandings of the Bible; following these developments some have suggested that passages have been mistranslated or that they do not refer to what is in the modern day understood as "homosexuality." Clay Witt, a minister in the Metropolitan Community Church, explains how theologians and commentators like John Shelby Spong, George Edwards and Michael England interpret injunctions against certain sexual acts as being originally intended as a means of distinguishing religious worship between Abrahamic and the surrounding pagan faiths, within which homosexual acts featured as part of idolatrous religious practices: "England argues that these prohibitions should be seen as being directed against sexual practices of fertility cult worship. As with the earlier reference from Strong's, he notes that the word 'abomination' used here is directly related to idolatry and idolatrous practices throughout the Hebrew Testament. Edwards makes a similar suggestion, observing that 'the context of the two prohibitions in Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13 suggest that what is opposed is not same-sex activity outside the cult, as in the modern secular sense, but within the cult identified as Canaanite'".

In 1986, the Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus (EEWC), then known as the Evangelical Women's Caucus International, passed a resolution stating: "Whereas homosexual people are children of God, and because of the biblical mandate of Jesus Christ that we are all created equal in God's sight, and in recognition of the presence of the lesbian minority in EWCI, EWCI takes a firm stand in favor of civil rights protection for homosexual persons."

Some Christians believe that Biblical passages have been mistranslated or that these passages do not refer to LGBTQ orientation as currently understood. Liberal Christian scholars, like conservative Christian scholars, accept earlier versions of the texts that make up the Bible in Hebrew or Greek. However, within these early texts there are many terms that modern scholars have interpreted differently from previous generations of scholars. or the inferior treatment of women as not being valid today, and against the will of God present in the context of the Bible. They cite these issues when arguing for a change in theological views on sexual relationships to what they say is an earlier view. They differentiate among various sexual practices, treating rape, prostitution, or temple sex rituals as immoral and those within committed relationships as positive regardless of sexual orientation. They view certain verses, which they believe refer only to homosexual rape, as not relevant to consensual homosexual relationships.

Yale professor John Boswell has argued that a number of Early Christians entered into homosexual relationships, and that certain Biblical figures had homosexual relationships, such as Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi, Daniel and the court official Ashpenaz, and David and King Saul's son Jonathan. Boswell has also argued that adelphopoiesis, a rite bonding two men, was akin to a religiously sanctioned same-sex union. Having partaken in such a rite, a person was prohibited from entering into marriage or taking monastic vows, and the choreography of the service itself closely parallelled that of the marriage rite. His views have not found wide acceptance, and opponents have argued that this rite sanctified a platonic brotherly bond, not a homosexual union. He also argued that condemnation of homosexuality began only in the 12th century. Boswell's critics point out that many earlier doctrinal sources condemn homosexuality as a sin even if they do not prescribe a specific punishment, and that Boswell's arguments are based on sources which reflected a general trend towards harsher penalties, rather than a change in doctrine, from the 12th century onwards.

Desmond Tutu, the former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, described homophobia as a "crime against humanity" and "every bit as unjust" as apartheid: "We struggled against apartheid in South Africa, supported by people the world over, because black people were being blamed and made to suffer for something we could do nothing about; our very skins. It is the same with sexual orientation. It is a given.[...] We treat them [gays and lesbians] as pariahs and push them outside our communities. We make them doubt that they too are children of God – and this must be nearly the ultimate blasphemy. We blame them for what they are."

Modern gay Christian leader Justin R. Cannon promotes what he calls "Inclusive Orthodoxy" ('orthodoxy' in this sense is not to be confused with the Eastern Orthodox Church). He explains on his ministry website: "Inclusive Orthodoxy is the belief that the Church can and must be inclusive of LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing the Gospel and the Apostolic teachings of the Christian faith." Cannon's ministry takes a unique and distinct approach from modern liberal Christians while still supporting homosexual relations. His ministry affirms the divine inspiration of the Bible, the authority of Tradition, and says "...that there is a place within the full life and ministry of the Christian Church for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians, both those who are called to lifelong celibacy and those who are partnered."

Today, many religious people are becoming more affirming of same-sex relationships, even in denominations with official stances against homosexuality. In the United States, people in denominations who are against same-sex relationships are liberalizing quickly, though not as quickly as those in more affirming groups. This social change is creating tension within many denominations, and even schisms and mass walk-outs among Mormons and other conservative groups.

Pope Francis voiced support for same-sex civil unions during an interview in a documentary film, Francesco, which was premiered at the Rome Film Festival on 21 October 2020.

Inclusive position

Using historical-critical method, some 20th-century theologians have brought a new understanding to passages of the Bible referring to same-sex sexual practices. This allowed us to return to the original meaning of the words, which referred more to adultery, and to situate these passages within the framework of pederasty, a system historically criticized for the age gap and inequalities between people.

After being forced to resign due to being outed, American Pentecostal pastor Troy Perry published an advertisement announcing the opening of a gay-friendly church in Los Angeles, California, in the October 1968 issue of The Advocate. On October 6, 1968, the Metropolitan Community Church held its first service with 12 people in attendance. In 1969, through the church, he officiated at the wedding of two young men in Los Angeles.

On May 1, 1972, the United Church of Christ in the San Francisco Bay Area approved the ordination of William R. Johnson, an openly gay seminarian. He was ordained as a pastor at the Community Church San Carlos (United Church of Christ) on June 25, 1972. In 1974, with the help of San Francisco State University professor Sally Miller Gearhart, he published the book Loving Women/Loving Men: Gay Liberation and the Church, which argues, among other things, that marriage is a covenant relationship, regardless of gender.

In the context of the gay liberation movement and the declassification of homosexuality as a disease by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973, these studies prompted various Progressive Christians churches and denominations to abandon discriminatory interpretations for LGBTQ people and offer equal recognition within their churches. In some denominations, this recognition has come through the development of affirming networks of churches, universities and seminaries. These include American Baptists Concerned for Sexual Minorities in 1972 (replaced by the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists in 1993) by members of the American Baptist Churches USA, UCC Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns in 1972 (renamed Open and Affirming Coalition UCC in 2014) by members of the United Church of Christ, Lutherans Concerned for Gay People in 1974 (renamed ReconcilingWorks in 2012) by members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterians for Gay Concerns in 1974 and More Light Churches Network in 1992 (merged and renamed More Light Presbyterians in 1999) by members of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian/Gay Concerns in 1975 and Reconciling Ministries Network in 1984 by members of the United Methodist Church, Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests and Supportive Communities Network in 1976 by members of the Mennonite Church USA. Some of these networks have become international, such as the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists and Reconciling Ministries Network.

In April 1976, the Student Christian Movement of Great Britain, a member of the World Student Christian Federation, organized a conference on gay liberation theology, which led to the founding of the Gay Christian Movement that same year and dialogue with churches in the United Kingdom.

In the context of the legalization of same-sex marriage in various countries and US states and during the 2000s, conceptual research into the meaning of marriage commitment in biblical texts prompted various churches to consider that the basis of Christian marriage and sexuality is to remain faithful in a covenant with one's spouse, regardless of gender. After national reflection, some Progressive Christian denominations then began to allow the blessing or same-sex marriage, usually leaving it to each local church to decide. After the legalization of same-sex marriage in April 2001 in the Netherlands, the Mennonite Church in the Netherlands was one of the first to pass this resolution that same year. Similar resolutions have taken place on other continents, such as in the Evangelical Church of the River Plate in South America in 2010, in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa in 2015, in the Uniting Church in Australia in 2018.

In the early 2010s, LGBTQ Christian students also advocated for equal human rights in administrative policies encouraging Christian colleges and universities to become inclusive, including Belmont University in Nashville in 2011, Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana and Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 2015.

According to a 2020 study by the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, there are 4.1 million LGBT American adults who identify as Christian, including 1.5 million Protestants, 1.3 million Roman Catholics, and 1.3 million Christians of other denominations.

In 2021, the organization Believr launched a dating app for LGBTQ+ Christians.

In 2022, the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture explains how the American committee behind the Revised Standard Version Bible first translated two Greek words referring to abusive behavior and exploitative relationships as homosexual in 1946. From then on, other translations, such as the New International Version of the 1970s, decided to use the term "homosexual", thus propagating social exclusion. The Revised Standard Version translation committee changed the wording in 1971 by using the word "sexual perverts” in the publication of a revision. Fifty years later, millions of Bibles had been sold with this word change. The documentary claims other errors in English translations of other passages, such as Leviticus 18:22 which was translated as “Man shall not lie with man, for it is an abomination”, while the same passage taking into account the sacred prostitution context of the time was translated into German: “Man shall not lie with young boys as he does with a woman, for it is an abomination.”

Inclusive organizations

Studies in the US show more LGBTQ individuals identify as Protestant than Catholic. George Barna, a conservative Christian author and researcher, conducted a survey in the United States in 2009 that found gay and lesbian people having a Christian affiliation were more numerous than had been presumed. He characterized some of his leading conclusions from the data as follows: "People who portray gay adults as godless, hedonistic, Christian bashers are not working with the facts. A substantial majority of gays cite their faith as a central facet of their life, consider themselves to be Christian, and claim to have some type of meaningful personal commitment to Jesus Christ active in their life today." Barna also found that LGBTQ people were more likely to interpret faith as an individual rather than a collective experience.

Candace Chellew-Hodge, liberal Christian lesbian founder of the online magazine Whosoever, responded to the findings: "All in all, I'm grateful for Barna even wandering into the subject of gay and lesbian religious belief. I think his study is important and can go a long way to dispelling the old "gays vs. God" dichotomy that too often gets played out in the media. However, his overall message is still harmful: Gays and lesbians are Christians – they're just not as good as straight ones." She argued that Barna had formulated his report with undue irony and skepticism, and that he had failed to take into account the reasons for the data which enkindled his "arrière pensée." The reason why far fewer homosexuals attend church, she argued, is that there are far fewer churches who will accept them. Equally, gays and lesbians do not see the Bible as unequivocally true because they are forced by its use against them to read it more closely and with less credulity, leading them to note its myriad contradictions.

Organizations for homosexual Christians exist across a wide range of beliefs and traditions. The interdenominational Q Christian Fellowship (formerly Gay Christian Network) has some members who affirm same-sex relationships and others who commit themselves to celibacy, groups it refers to as "Side A" and "Side B", respectively. According to founder Justin Lee:

Some organizations cater exclusively to homosexual Christians who do not want to have gay sex, or attraction; the goals of these organizations vary. Some Christian groups focus on simply refraining from gay sex, such as Courage International and North Star. Other groups additionally encourage gay members to reduce or eliminate same-sex attractions. Love Won Out and the now-defunct Exodus International are examples of such ministries. These groups are sometimes referred to as ex-gay organizations, though many no longer use the term. Alan Chambers, the president of Exodus, says the term incorrectly implies a complete change in sexual orientation, though the group Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays continues to use the term. In addition, individual Christians identifying as gay who want to subscribe to the conservative ethic are becoming more vocal themselves.

Gay Christian writer and actor Peterson Toscano argues that organizations promoting orientation change are a "ruse". An organization he co-founded, Beyond Ex-Gay, supports people who feel they have been wounded by such organizations.

Other groups support or advocate for gay Christians and their relationships. In 2014 the United Church of Christ filed a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's ban on same-sex marriage, which is America's first faith-based challenge to same-sex marriage bans; the Alliance of Baptists joined the lawsuit later that year.

In Europe, working within the worldwide Anglican Communion on a range of discrimination issues, including those of LGBTQ clergy and people in the church, is Inclusive Church. The longest standing groups for lesbian and gay Christians in the UK, were Quest (for LGBTQ Catholics) and Metropolitan Community Church (UK) both founded in 1973; followed in 1976 by the non-denominational Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement; specifically aimed to meet the needs of lesbian and gay evangelicals, there is the Evangelical Fellowship for Lesbian and Gay Christians; specifically working within the Church of England is Changing Attitude, which also takes an international focus in working for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender affirmation within the Anglican Communion.

Sociologist Richard N. Pitt argues that these organizations are only available to LGBTQ members of liberal denominations, as opposed to those in conservative denominations. His review of the literature on gay Christians suggests that these organizations not only represent the interests of Christians who attend their churches, but (like gay-friendly and gay-affirming churches) also give these members useful responses to homophobic and heterosexist rhetoric. His research shows that those LGBTQ Christians who stay at homophobic churches "kill the messenger" by attacking the minister's knowledge about homosexuality, personal morality, focus on sin instead of forgiveness, and motivations for preaching against homosexuality.

Movement of pro-celibacy gay Christians

There is a movement of people who call themselves Side B Christians, but choose to practice celibacy. The movement is often positioned against both liberals and conservatives. Recognizing themselves as gay or bisexual, these people believe that their attraction to same-sex people, while present, does not allow them to have homosexual relationships. They often say that their Christian conversion did not instantly change their sexual desires. They insist that the church should always reject homosexual practices, but that it should welcome gay people.

Ex-gay movement

Various Christian organizations have been involved in the ex-gay movement. Love in Action, founded in 1973, was the first in the US. In 1976, its members founded Exodus International, a Christian organization (more specifically Protestant and Evangelical) in the United States and in various countries of the world. The Catholic organization Courage International was founded in 1980.

Conversion therapies for people wishing to change sexual orientation have been associated with the movement. Conversion therapy has been widely criticized and denounced by many major medical associations as pseudoscientific and harmful. Studies have found that LGBTQ individuals who experienced conversion therapy reported significantly higher rates of depression, suicide attempts, and substance abuse than their peers who did not.

Criticism

In 2005, Baptist Pastor Al Sharpton criticized megachurches for focusing on "bedroom morals", statements against same-sex marriage and abortion, by ignoring issues of social justice, such as the immorality of war and the erosion of affirmative action.

In 2015, American theologian L. Gregory Jones has criticized some Christian churches for their lack of effort to interest young people in the Christian faith in a relevant way, while putting a lot of energy into talking negatively about homosexuality, which is even more boring for young people who want to work with the whole world.

Notes

References

References

1. Mark Achtemeier, ''The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, New Edition with Study Guide: An Evangelical's Change of Heart'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2015, p. 19
2. Gnuse, Robert K.. (May 2015). "Seven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality". [[SAGE Publications]] on behalf of Biblical Theology Bulletin Inc..
3. (2012). "Religion and Spirituality in Psychiatry". Cambridge University Press.
4. Murphy, Caryle. (2015-12-18). "Most U.S. Christian groups grow more accepting of homosexuality".
5. Kerith J. Conron, Shoshana K. Goldberg, Kathryn K. O’Neill. (October 2020). "Religiosity Among LGBT Adults in the US". williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu.
6. (2016). "The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Narrative". [[Oxford University Press]].
7. (June 2003). "Religion and Sexuality: The Perversion of a Natural Marriage". [[Springer Verlag]].
8. Sauer, Michelle M.. (2015). "Gender in Medieval Culture". [[Bloomsbury Academic]].
9. McCann, Christine A.. (2010). "Transgressing the Boundaries of Holiness: Sexual Deviance in the Early Medieval Penitential Handbooks of Ireland, England and France 500–1000". Seton Hall University.
10. Gilbert, Kathleen. (29 September 2008). "Bishop Soto tells NACDLGM: 'Homosexuality is Sinful'".
11. (8 December 2010). "What are Religious Texts Really Saying about Gay and Transgender Rights?".
12. Modisane, Cameron. (15 November 2014). "The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah was NOT About Homosexuality".
13. (2016). "Dressing Judeans and Christians in Antiquity". [[Routledge]].
14. (2015). "Queer Christianities: Lived Religion in Transgressive Forms". [[NYU Press]].
15. Frost, Natasha. (2018-03-02). "A Modern Controversy Over Ancient Homosexuality".
16. McClain, Lisa. (10 April 2019). "A thousand years ago, the Catholic Church paid little attention to homosexuality".
17. [http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2357 Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 2357-9]; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2351, 2391, 2396
18. "Birth Control | Catholic Answers". Catholic.com.
19. (18 December 2008). "STATEMENT OF THE HOLY SEE DELEGATION AT THE 63rd SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS ON THE DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY (18 DECEMBER 2008)". Vatican.va.
20. [https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders] {{webarchive. link. (25 February 2008 , Congregation for Catholic Education, 4 November 2005)
21. Grossman, Cathy Lynn. (23 March 2011). "U.S. Catholics break with church on gay relationships". USA Today.
22. (March 2011). "Catholic Attitudes on Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Comprehensive Portrait from Recent Research". Public Religion Research Institute.
23. (2020). "Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion: A Diversity of Paradigms". [[Brill Publishers]].
24. [https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/Bischof-Bode-fuer-Segnung-von-Homo-Paaren,segnung100.html NDR.de: Bischof für Segnung von homosexuellen Paaren (German)], 10 January 2018
25. "Bayrischer Rundfunk.de: "Segnung homosexueller Paare ist möglich"".
26. (3 February 2018). "Spiegel.de: Kardinal Marx stellt Segnung homosexueller Paare in Aussicht". Der Spiegel.
27. Stütz, Paul. (6 February 2018). "Segen für Verliebte in Oberösterreichs Pfarren". KirchenZeitung.
28. "Zum Valentinstag: Katholische Diözese segnet auch Homo-Paare".
29. (15 March 2021). "Catholic Church 'cannot bless same-sex unions'". BBC News.
30. [https://www.dw.com/en/german-catholic-bishops-back-blessings-for-same-sex-couples/a-64950775 Deutsche Welle: German Catholic bishops back blessings for same-sex couples], 11 March 2023
31. [https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/03/10/german-church-synod-same-sex-blessings-244883 American Magazine: German bishops vote in favor of blessing same-sex unions in the Catholic Church]
32. [https://www.pillarcatholic.com/german-synodal-way-backs-same-sex-blessings/ The pillar: German synodal way backs same-sex blessings], 11 March 2023
33. (2022-09-20). "Belgian bishops agree to bless same-sex unions, defying Vatican".
34. (30 September 2022). "Cardinal Eijk: Same-sex blessings undermine Church teaching on marriage".
35. Allen, Elise Ann. (2023-03-14). "Pope's top aide says Germany can't go it alone on blessing same-sex unions".
36. [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/18/0901/01963.html#en Vatican: Dichiarazione, Fiducia supplicans sul senso pastorale delle benedizioni], 18 December 2023
37. [https://katholisch.de/artikel/49651-katholische-kirche-erlaubt-segnung-fuer-homosexuelle-paare Katholisch.de: Katholische Kirche erlaubt Segnung für homosexuelle Paare], 18 December 2023
38. [https://www.n-tv.de/panorama/Papst-ebnet-Weg-fuer-Segnung-homosexueller-Paare-article24609030.html n-tv.de: Papst ebnet Weg für Segnung homosexueller Paare], 18 December 2023
39. [https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/katholische-kirche-papst-franziskus-erlaubt-segnung-unverheirateter-und-homosexueller-paare-a-43a26761-31c0-42ed-8bb2-2504aef7575e Spiegel.de: Papst erlaubt Segnung unverheirateter und homosexueller Paare], 18 December 2023
40. [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/fiducia-supplicans-doctrine-faith-blessing-irregular-couples.html Vaticannews.va: Doctrinal declaration opens possibility to bless couples in irregular situations ], 18 December 2023
41. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/doctrinal-dicastery-explains-how-when-gay-couples-can-be-blessed
42. Kazhdan, A. P.. (1991). "The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium". Oxford University Press.
43. link. (9 July 2011)
44. M. Mikhail. "The Coptic Orthodox Church's View on Homosexuality".
45. "Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Eastern Orthodox Church".
46. (8 November 2017). "4. Orthodox take socially conservative views on gender issues, homosexuality".
47. [https://greekreporter.com/2022/07/11/first-greek-orthodox-baptism-gay-couple-greece/ First Greek Orthodox Baptism for Child of Gay Couple in Greece] // [[Greek Reporter]]
48. [https://www.thenationalherald.com/metropolitan-antonios-exclusively-to-tnh-on-the-baptism-of-gay-couples-children/ Metropolitan Antonios Exclusively to TNH on the Baptism of Gay Couple’s Children The National Herald]
49. Mazonakis, Stella. (2022-07-19). "Holy Synod Protests To Archbishop Elpidophoros Over Gay Couple Child Christening".
50. [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/national/05church.html NYTimes.com] "United Church of Christ Backs Same-Sex Marriage"
51. "Verantwortung und Verlässlichkeit stärken (german)". Ekd.de.
52. "Verenigde Protestantse Kerk staat inzegening homohuwelijk toe. - holebi.info".
53. (17 May 2015). "French Protestant church authorises gay marriages".
54. Sandeman, John. (13 July 2018). "Uniting Church to hold same sex marriages". Eternity.
55. (12 November 2010). "Church of Finland allows prayer for same sex couples (In Finnish)". Mtv3.fi.
56. "GAAAP". Affirmingapostolic.com.
57. "Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: United Church of Christ". [[Human Rights Campaign]].
58. Goodstein, Laurie. (15 July 2009). "Episcopal Bishops Give Ground on Gay Marriage". The New York Times.
59. [http://www.united-church.ca/humanrights/equal/chronology#1988 Chronology of Marriage and Equality Rights in the United Church] {{webarchive. link. (25 April 2009)
60. "Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Offers a Win-Win Solution, Says The United Church of Canada," 2005-FEB-01, United Church of Canada, at: http://www.united-church.ca/
61. "On Homosexuality and Ordination". The Moravian Interprovincial Faith & Order Commission.
62. "Brüder-Unität: Künftig sind Homo-Segnungen möglich".
63. "Quakers and same sex marriage". Quakers in Britain.
64. Butt, Riazat. (31 July 2009). "Quakers said same-sex couples 'miss the public recognition of their partnership in a religious ceremony'". The Guardian.
65. (5 May 2018). "Advocate: Methodist Bishops Back Choice on LGBT Clergy, Same-Sex Marriage".
66. (26 February 2019). "United Methodist Church votes to maintain its opposition to same-sex marriage, gay clergy". [[The Washington Post]].
67. [https://www.umc.org/en/content/historic-shift-lgbtq-inclusion-united-methodist-church UMC.org: A historic shift in inclusion for the United Methodist Church], May 2024
68. "Section I.10 – Human Sexuality".
69. (2 August 2022). "Orthodox bishops reveal text of resolution reaffirming 'Lambeth 1.10' as the Anglican Communion teaching on marriage and sexuality".
70. "Lambeth Conference 1998 Archives".
71. "Lambeth Conference 1998: Resolution 1.10 Human Sexuality".
72. Tilby, Angela. (22 July 2022). "Angela Tilby: Lambeth '98's gift to Living in Love and Faith". [[Church Times]].
73. "Home". Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.
74. "Home". EECMY Ethiopia.
75. "What about Homosexuality?". [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]].
76. (27 October 2009). "Acceptance of homosexuals". [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]].
77. "ELCA Assembly Opens Ministry to Partnered Gay and Lesbian Lutherans". [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]].
78. "Human Sexuality". The United Methodist Church.
79. "Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: African Methodist Episcopal Church". The Human Rights Campaign.
80. "The Christian Life – Christian Conduct". Free Methodist Church.
81. "British Methodists reject blessing of same-sex relationships". The United Methodist Church.
82. "Summaries of General Synod Discussions and Actions on Homosexuality and the Rights of Homosexuals". Reformed Church in America.
83. "PCA Statements on Homosexuality". [[Presbyterian Church in America]].
84. (15 June 2022). "Christian Reformed Church Brings LGBT Stance into Faith Statement".
85. "History of FUM policy regarding the appointment of homosexuals". [[Friends United Meeting]].
86. "Human Behavior – Sexual Behavior". [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]].
87. Brug, John F.. "Doctrinal Brief: Is Homosexuality a Sin?". [[Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary]].
88. Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 112
89. (2009). "Evangelicals Engaging Emergent". B&H Publishing Group.
90. Jacqueline L. Salmon, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/18/AR2007081801167.html Rift Over Gay Unions Reflects Battle New to Black Churches], washingtonpost.com, USA, 19 August 2007
91. Dan Dyck et Dick Benner, [https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/delegates-vote-allow-space-differences Delegates vote to allow space for differences], canadianmennonite.org, Canada, 20 July 2016
92. (6 June 2008). "LifeWay Research study". The Christian Post.
93. [http://religions.pewforum.org/comparisons U.S. Religious landscape survey, 2008] The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
94. [http://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/marriage_and_family/marriage.aspx Social Issues: Marriage and Family] {{webarchive. link. (22 October 2009)
95. (January 2008). "A Biblical Perspective on Same-Sex "Marriage" and Civil Unions". The Association of Politically Active Christians.
96. (2003-10-06). "Marriage and Family in the Biblical World By Ken M. Campbell". InterVarsity Press.
97. (2009-09-20). "Straight & Narrow? By Thomas E. Schmidt". InterVarsity Press.
98. (2000). "Homosexuality By James B. De Young". Kregel Academic.
99. "Robert A. J. Gagnon Articles Available Online". Robgagnon.net.
100. Egan, Timothy. (4 October 1992). "Anti-Gay Backlashes Are on 3 States' Ballots". The New York Times.
101. The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration, by Bruce M. Metzger
102. (1980). "Inerrancy By Norman L. Geisler". Zondervan.
103. "The Bible and Homosexual Practice: An Overview of Some Issues Dr. Robert Gagnon". Leaderu.com.
104. "Authority of Scripture, by Joseph P. Gudel". Iclnet.org.
105. Meyer, Holly. (29 August 2017). "More than 150 evangelical religious leaders sign 'Christian manifesto' on human sexuality". USA Today.
106. "Some notable fundamentalist and conservative evangelical television and radio speakers frequently blame gays in America for an assortment of social problems, including terrorism (…)" in Roger E. Olson, ''The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 315
107. Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 114
108. Ralph R. Smith, Russel R. Windes, ''Progay/Antigay: The Rhetorical War Over Sexuality'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2000, p. 29
109. David Rayside, ''Faith, Politics, and Sexual Diversity in Canada and the United States'', UBC Press, Canada, 2011, p. 73-74
110. (2014). "Queering disasters: on the need to account for LGBTI experiences in natural disaster contexts". Gender, Place & Culture.
111. (30 October 2012). "Superstorm Sandy and many more disasters that have been blamed on the gay community". The Guardian.
112. Ezra Chitando, Adriaan van Klinken, ''Christianity and Controversies Over Homosexuality in Contemporary Africa'', Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 8
113. (2024-07-29). "Ghana: Supreme Court Upholds Colonial-Era Anti-LGBT Law {{!}} Human Rights Watch".
114. Dickson, By Prince Charles. (2016-07-30). "Homophobia unites Muslims and Christians in Nigeria".
115. Stephen Hunt, ''Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities'', Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 40-41
116. Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 241
117. Mark Jennings, [https://theconversation.com/welcoming-but-not-affirming-being-gay-and-christian-64110 ‘Welcoming, but not affirming’: being gay and Christian], theconversation.com, USA, 30 August 2016
118. Roger E. Olson, ''The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 316
119. Claire Lesegretain, ''Les chrétiens et l'homosexualité : l'enquête'', Bouquineo, France, 2011, p. 397
120. Loup Besmond de Senneville, la-croix.com, [http://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Actualite/Benediction-de-couples-homosexuels-critiques-vives-des-protestants-evangeliques-2015-05-18-1313309 Bénédiction de couples homosexuels: critiques vives des protestants évangéliques], France, 18 May 2015
121. Nicolas Ciarapica, aleloo.com, [http://www.aleloo.com/journal/index.php/2006/04/30/134-parler-de-l-homosexualite-interview-de-philippe-auzenet Parler de l'homosexualité, interview de Philippe Auzenet] {{webarchive. link. (16 January 2017 , France, 30 April 2006)
122. La Dépêche de Tahiti, [http://consultation.ladepeche.pf/article/societe/%E2%80%9Cjesus-irait-dans-un-bar-gay%E2%80%9D "JÉSUS IRAIT DANS UN BAR GAY"] {{Webarchive. link. (2 February 2017 , France, 4 December 2012)
123. William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603
124. Adrian Thatcher, ''The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender'', Oxford University Press, UK, 2015, p. 368
125. Carol Kuruvilla, [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/29/evangelical-christians-support-marriage-equality_n_7690408.html Meet The Evangelicals Who Cheered The SCOTUS Gay Marriage Ruling], ''HuffPost'', USA, 29 June 2015
126. TOM GJELTEN, MARISA PEÑALOZA, [https://www.npr.org/2016/05/10/476651599/acceptance-grows-slowly-but-steadily-for-gay-evangelicals Acceptance Grows, Slowly But Steadily, For Gay Evangelicals], NPR, USA, 10 May 2016
127. AP, [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34493087 Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays], NBC News, USA, 19 December 2009
128. Heidi Hall, [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/03/evangelical-churches-lgbt_n_6795764.html Evangelical Churches Grapple With LGBT Inclusion], ''HuffPost'', USA, 3 March 2015
129. Associated Press, [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/29/minneapolis-pastor-and-his-church-expelled-for-permitting-gay-marriage Minneapolis pastor and his church expelled for permitting gay marriage], theguardian.com, UK, 29 June 2019
130. Andrew J. Yawn,[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/04/southern-baptist-convention-georgia-church-accepts-gay-members/4840775001/ A Georgia church, kicked out of the SBC for allowing gay members, wants to make sure 'everybody's welcome'], usatoday.com, USA, 4 April 2021
131. Michael K. Lavers, [https://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/02/21/pastor-who-supported-md-marriage-referendum-speaks-out/ Pastor who supported Md. marriage referendum speaks out], washingtonblade.com, USA, February 21, 2013
132. Donald B. Kraybill, ''Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites'', JHU Press, USA, 2010, p. 108
133. ENI. (April 1, 2001). "Churches Divided Over Amsterdam's Same-Sex Weddings". christianitytoday.com.
134. Dan Dyck et Dick Benner, [https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/delegates-vote-allow-space-differences Delegates vote to allow space for differences], canadianmennonite.org, Canada, July 20, 2016
135. Paul Schrag, [https://anabaptistworld.org/delegates-repeal-membership-guidelines-pass-lgbtq-affirming-resolution/ Delegates repeal Membership Guidelines, pass LGBTQ-affirming resolution], anabaptistworld.org, USA, May 29, 2022
136. Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, [https://www.bmclgbt.org/currentscn Our Church Members], bmclgbt.org, USA, accessed August 16, 2025
137. William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519
138. William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503
139. Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243
140. William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 14
141. William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 628
142. Renato Cavallera, [https://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/alianca-batista-aprova-uniao-gay-boa-nova-20090.html Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma "boa nova"], noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, 25 May 2011
143. Javier Roque Martínez, [https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/cristianismo-jugar%C3%A1-papel-relevante-oposici%C3%B3n-140049071.html 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano'], newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, 17 February 2022
144. Olivia Goeldner, [https://newcastleweekly.com.au/new-hope-for-local-church-ousted-over-lgbtq-support/ New hope for local church ousted over LGBTQ+ support], newcastleweekly.com, May 9, 2025
145. William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603
146. Adrian Thatcher, ''The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2015, p. 362
147. "About Us".
148. David Catt, [https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-hills/castle-hill-the-new-home-to-gaysupportive-new-covenant-sydney-church/news-story/88404366e0586ea3fa0bb64becbc5fb5 Castle Hill the new home to gay-supportive New Covenant Sydney church], dailytelegraph.com.au, Australia, 22 September 2014
149. (16 May 2013). "Churches". The Covenant Network.
150. "What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? | Bible Questions".
151. Frank J. Smith, ''Religion and Politics in America: An Encyclopedia of Church and State in American Life [2 volumes]'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2016, p. 160
152. (17 October 2012). "Official Statements – Homosexuality".
153. "Homosexuality and the Bible, Rev. Clay Witt, Holy Redeemer M.C.C., 1995". Hrmcc.org.
154. (1 January 2006). "Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America: Women and religion: methods of study and reflection". Indiana University Press.
155. "The Bible and Homosexuality". Grace Unfolding Ministries.
156. "What the Bible says about slavery". Religioustolerance.org.
157. {{usurped
158. (2006-01-01). "Jesus, the Bible, and homosexuality; by Jack Rogers". Westminster John Knox Press.
159. Boswell, John. (1996). "The Marriage of Likeness. Same-Sex Unions in Pre-Modern Europe". Fontana.
160. Robin Darling Young, "[http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9411/articles/darling.html Gay Marriage: Reimagining Church History]", [[First Things]] 47 (November 1994), pp. 43–48.
161. Paul Halsall, ''[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/bosrevdisc-kennedy1.html Reviewing Boswell] {{Webarchive. link. (6 April 2012 '' (1995).)
162. John Boswell, ''[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/1979boswell.html The Church and the Homosexual – An Historical Perspective] {{Webarchive. link. (23 November 2014 '' (1979).)
163. Gagnon R.A.J., ''The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics''. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2001.
164. "Desmond Tutu: "Homophobia equals apartheid"". Afrol.com.
165. Sex, Love & Homophobia, published by Amnesty International UK, 2005, foreword by Desmund Tutu.
166. "INCLUSIVE ORTHODOXY: Gay Christian Ministry – Bible and Homosexuality?". Truthsetsfree.net.
167. "Inclusive Orthodoxy ~ The Rev. Justin R. Cannon". Truthsetsfree.net.
168. Schnabel, Landon. (2016-01-01). "Gender and homosexuality attitudes across religious groups from the 1970s to 2014: Similarity, distinction, and adaptation". Social Science Research.
169. (14 November 2015). "Mormons leaving church to protest same-sex policy". CNN.
170. (21 October 2020). "Pope Francis backs same-sex civil unions".
171. Jodi O'Brien, ''Encyclopedia of Gender and Society, Volume 1'', SAGE, USA, 2009, p. 137-138
172. Robyn J Whitaker, [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-23/same-sex-marriage-what-bible-has-to-say-robyn-whitaker/8831826 Same-sex marriage: What does the Bible really have to say?], abc.net.au, August 22, 2017
173. Brian Stanley, ''Christianity in the Twentieth Century: A World History'', Princeton University Press, USA, 2019, p. 280
174. TIME. (July 13, 1970). "Religion: Hope for the Homosexual". time.com.
175. Jason Pierceson, ''Same-Sex Marriage in the United States: The Road to the Supreme Court and Beyond'', Bloomsbury Publishing, UK, 2014, p. 32
176. Christopher Kane. (September 19, 2018). "Rev. Troy Perry reflects on 50 years of Metropolitan Community Church". losangelesblade.com.
177. DN. (May 2, 1972). "Homosexual's Ordination Voted In the United Church of Christ". [[The New York Times]].
178. Sharon Henderson Callahan, ''Religious Leadership: A Reference Handbook'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2013, p. 412
179. Clare Herbert, ''Towards a Theology of Same-Sex Marriage: Squaring the Circle'', Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2020, p. 123
180. Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 20
181. Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 242
182. Martin Dupuis, William A. Thompson, Traci C. West, ''Defending Same-Sex Marriage'', Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2006, p. 264
183. Gary Laderman, Luis León, ''Religion and American Cultures: Tradition, Diversity, and Popular Expression'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2014, p. 1050
184. Robert Wuthnow, John H. Evans, ''The Quiet Hand of God: Faith-Based Activism and the Public Role of Mainline Protestantism'', University of California Press, USA, 2002, p. 268
185. Jason E. Vickers, ''The Cambridge Companion to American Methodism'', Cambridge University Press, UK, 2013, p. 112
186. Donald B. Kraybill, ''Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites'', JHU Press, USA, 2010, p. 108
187. Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, [https://awab.org/find-a-church/ Our Church Members], awab.org, USA, accessed August 16, 2025
188. Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, [https://awab.org/educationpartners/ Education Partners], awab.org, USA, accessed August 16, 2025
189. Reconciling Ministries Network, [https://rmnetwork.org/find-a-reconciling-ministry/ Find a Reconciling Ministry], rmnetwork.org, USA, accessed August 16, 2025
190. Andrew Atherstone, John G. Maiden, ''Evangelicalism and the Church of England in the Twentieth Century: Reform, Resistance and Renewal'', Boydell & Brewer, UK, 2014, p. 194
191. David H. Jensen, ''God, Desire, and a Theology of Human Sexuality'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2013, p. 109-110
192. (April 1, 2001). "Churches Divided Over Amsterdam's Same-Sex Weddings".
193. (May 31, 2010). "Matrimonio de personas del mismo sexo". Iglesia Evangélica del Río de la Plata.
194. Rickard, Carmel. (December 17, 2015). "Church gives blessing to pastors over gay marriages".
195. (July 13, 2018). "Uniting Church to allow same-sex marriages". SBS News.
196. Jonathan S. Coley, ''Gay on God's Campus: Mobilizing for LGBT Equality at Christian Colleges and Universities'', UNC Press Books, USA, 2018, p. 33
197. Kerith J. Conron, Shoshana K. Goldberg, Kathryn K. O’Neill. (October 2020). "Religiosity Among LGBT Adults in the US". williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu.
198. Emily McFarlan Miller. (June 4, 2021). "New app, believr, aims to create a 'home for LGBTQ+ Christians'". religionnews.com.
199. Vivian Ho. (December 1, 2023). "Did Christian homophobia come from a mistranslation of the Bible?". theguardian.com.
200. JD Glass. (December 17, 2022). "How a Bible Error Changed History and Turned Gays Into Pariahs". advocate.com.
201. (March 2020). "LGBT Identification by Religious Affiliation".
202. (2014). "Religious Composition by Self-Reported Sexual Identity".
203. (2013). "Religious Affiliation".
204. (22 June 2009). "Spiritual Profile of Homosexual Adults Provides Surprising Insights". Barna.org.
205. (26 June 2009). "New Poll Shows Gays and Lesbians Believe in God, Candace Chellew-Hodge, ReligionDispatches, 25 June 2009 (accessed 2009-06-27)". Religiondispatches.org.
206. [http://www.gaychristian.net/index.php? GCN Homepage] {{Webarchive. link. (10 June 2010 (website). Gay Christian Network. Retrieved 2008-03-05.)
207. Murphy, Tim. (17 June 2008). "The Believers". The Advocate.
208. [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0612/18/acd.02.html Transcript] of 18 December 2006 episode of ''Anderson Cooper 360''
209. "North Star web site". Northstarlds.org.
210. (19 December 2024). "Same-Sex Attraction".
211. (18 June 2007). "Approaching agreement in debate over homosexuality".
212. Belgau, Ron. (29 August 2012). "Spiritual Friendship in 300 Words".
213. Benjamin, Mark. (18 July 2005). "Turning off gays". Salon.
214. "Beyond Ex-Gay Group for survivors of Ex-Gay ministries". Beyondexgay.com.
215. (3 March 2015). "As one evangelical church 'comes out' for LGBT rights, others cast a wary eye".
216. "Rabbis group joins N.C. same-sex marriage suit".
217. (6 June 2014). "Rabbis Join Marriage Equality Fight".
218. "Inclusive Church (Anglican)". Inclusive Church.
219. "Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (UK)". Lgcm.org.uk.
220. (7 November 2010). "Evangelical Fellowship for Lesbian and Gay Christians (UK)". Eflgc.org.uk.
221. [http://www.changingattitude.org.uk/home/home.asp Changing Attitude (UK)] {{webarchive. link. (28 April 2009)
222. (21 September 2010). "(International)". Changing Attitude.
223. (1 March 2010). "Killing The Messenger". Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
224. (2021-11-05). "Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance".
225. Boorstein, Michelle. (13 December 2014). "Gay Christians choosing celibacy emerge from the shadows". The Washington Post.
226. Worthen, Molly. (27 February 2016). "Who Are the Gay Evangelicals?". The New York Times.
227. Abbie E. Goldberg, ''The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2016, p. 384
228. Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 122
229. Paul A. Djupe, Laura R. Olson, ''Encyclopedia of American Religion and Politics'', Infobase Publishing, USA, 2014, p. 207
230. Abbie E. Goldberg, ''The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2016, p. 385
231. "Policy and Position Statements on Conversion Therapy".
232. (2022-05-01). "Humanistic and Economic Burden of Conversion Therapy Among LGBTQ Youths in the United States". JAMA Pediatrics.
233. Christensen, Jen. (2022-03-08). "Conversion therapy is harmful to LGBTQ people and costs society as a whole, study says".
234. thisisloyal.com, Loyal {{!}}. "LGB people who have undergone conversion therapy almost twice as likely to attempt suicide".
235. Associated Press, [https://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/Megachurches-have-wrong-focus-black-leaders-say-1894628.php Megachurches have wrong focus, black leaders say], chron.com, 2 July 2006.
236. Burke, Daniel. (14 May 2015). "Millennials leaving church in droves, study finds". CNN.