Throughout most of church history there has been a deeply rooted belief that same-sex relationships are incompatible with a Christian lifestyle. In recent decades, as western society has become more embracing of homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender life, Christian voices advocating a traditional understanding of these issues have become more vocal and at times aggressive.
However, in recent years a multitude of Christians have started to rethink the issues around the Bible, theology, church and the inclusion of LGB+T people. This section creates space for the theology and practice of inclusion to be discussed and will offer resources that help make it a greater reality in churches across the globe. Personal stories and testimony will also be featured as a crucial reminder that behind these ‘issues’ are real human beings who have often been the victims of a savage and uncaring conversation.
Throughout the site, we will use the acronym ‘LGB+T’ to refer to ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgender.’ Both transgender and LGB people have experienced discrimination from churches and for a number of reasons it makes sense to include discussion of these issues in the same section. However, we are mindful that these issues are often all thrown together in a clumsy way. By adding the ‘+’ we are attempting to acknowledge that transgender issues are not simply an extension of the conversation around same-sex relationships and deserves a focus of its own. We welcome conversation around the best and most inclusive terms to adopt when using language that affects people’s lives.
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Coming-out to your Church
Finding the courage, moment and method to start being open with people at church – particularly when you suspect the response might not be 100% positive can be a long and arduous journey. Here are five top tips from ‘out’ LGBT+ Christians that might help make the first handful of conversations easier.
Coming-out to your Christian Parents
Whether you’re 15 or 55, saying “I’m gay” to your parents for the first time can be one of the most difficult moments of your life. When Mum and Dad hold deep religious convictions that same-sex relationships are sinful, the pressure can be even greater. Nonetheless, LGBT+ Christians around the world have survived the dreaded conversion and lived to tell the tale. Here’s 5 top tips that can help prepare for the nerve-wracking talk.
Example Renaming Ceremony
Many churches are now rightly offering renaming services for people who have gone through gender reassignment. This is a an example liturgy which has been used at Oasis Church Waterloo.
Many of you may have met the Rev Jide Macaulay when he joined us for the 'In the Name of Love' tour over the last few months. Even if you didn’t, then this is your chance to learn more about the man and his work as he is the subject of a BBC documentary to be screened next week.