The church on a journey

Globally and for some decades, the church has been grappling with the issue of homosexuality, welcoming LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people into congregations, and understanding their relationships and their place in the church. Some however are just beginning the journey.

Recent surveys reflect a shift, not only in attitude towards, but also in understanding of same-sex-oriented people in mainline, evangelical and pentecostal congregations. The world is changing and so is the church.

Evangelical author Andrew Marin said in his groundbreaking book, Love is an Orientation,

'Every stereotype can be broken with a face, and every face has a story. Even leaders in both the LGBT and Christian communities say they know something needs to change – but nothing is changing because we’ve all been conditioned to dig in and fight. So where do we go from here?’

Preconceived ideas, misinformation and judgement have contributed to polarisation instead of resolution. Wrongs have occurred on both sides of the debate. The extreme views and actions of some, who feel they have the right to speak on behalf of Christianity, have brought disrepute to the church of Jesus Christ.

Until fairly recently the words ‘gay’ and ‘Christian’ were seen as contradictory. The Gay Christian movement was birthed in a lounge room in Los Angeles in 1968 and functioned for some time mostly outside the boundaries of traditional Christianity.

Through web-based ministries there are now 10,000’s of Gay Christians who have reconciled their faith and their sexuality and many straight Christians who have shifted in attitude and understanding.

The number of mainstream churches and denominations who welcome and affirm LGBTQ people is growing exponentially and over the last three decades expanded to over 90 different denominations across 46 countries.

Some have called this the Rainbow Revival and it is not unlike the Jesus Revolution of the 60’s; a movement of the Holy Spirit outside the walls of Church.

LGBTQ people’s journey

Over the last five decades untold suffering and harm has been caused by churches lack of knowledge about sexuality. Lives have literally been lost because of ignorance and the unrealistic ‘change is possible’ message that was believed and preached.

LGBTQ people have often had a difficult journey. They have to come to a place of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity, come out and learn what it means to live authentically in a predominately straight world.

If they come from a religious background, this additional layer means they often experience these things with greater intensity and also have additional issues to deal with.

The impacts of faith/sexuality conflict

Suicidality

Research shows this group have either thoughts of, or attempts to suicide more often than those from non-faith backgrounds.

Intense cognitive dissonance

…because of the perception that the acceptance or rejection of their sexuality has eternal consequences.

Mental health issues

The dissonance created by the perceived conflict of faith and sexuality causes anxiety, stress and depression.

Obsessive behaviours and addictions

Unhealthy behaviours can develop when people suppress or deny their sexual orientation.

Trauma and grief

Many gay and lesbian people have had to leave their faith communities once they accepted their sexuality. Others were given no other option but to leave. This can be a traumatic experience and the loss of family, friends and faith devastating.

Internalised homophobia

Even after coming out, years of negative conditioning and self-hatred continue to have impact.

Discrimination

LGBT people of faith experience discrimination not only from their churches but also within the LGBT community.

When an LGBTQ person of faith is a part of an accepting and affirming church community the above impacts are greatly reduced and many become non-existent.

ABBI helps churches create safe spaces for existing gay and lesbian church members and an understanding and welcoming environment for others.

My morality and faith are choices. My sexual orientation however isn't.