LGBTQ
LGBTQ
UMC removes rule that homosexuality is ‘incompatible with Christian teaching
The United Methodist Church General Conference has voted to remove a statement from its central rulebook that declared that homosexuality was "incompatible with Christian teaching." In a vote of 523 to 161 following around 90 minutes of debate on Thursday, the churchwide legislative gathering opted to remove a clause from the Book of Discipline, ¶ 304.3 under "Qualifications for Ordination." "The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching," read the clause, which had been originally added to the Book of Discipline in 1972.
(Christian Post 5/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The United Methodist Church General Conference has voted to remove a statement from its central rulebook that declared that homosexuality was "incompatible with Christian teaching." In a vote of 523 to 161 following around 90 minutes of debate on Thursday, the churchwide legislative gathering opted to remove a clause from the Book of Discipline, ¶ 304.3 under "Qualifications for Ordination." "The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching," read the clause, which had been originally added to the Book of Discipline in 1972.
(Christian Post 5/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
United Methodist Church leader, LGBTQ Commission chair react to new rule that allows LGBTQ clergy
The United Methodist Church agreed members of the LGBTQ community can serve congregations as pastors.
“We took out that part of the language that we have been fighting about for 52 years,” said Adam Hamitlon, senior pastor at Resurrection, A United Methodist Church. Resurrection has six area locations and is the largest United Methodist congregation in the country. Pastor Hamilton was in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Wednesday’s vote to eliminate the church's longstanding on LGBTQ clergy. (KSBH 5/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The United Methodist Church agreed members of the LGBTQ community can serve congregations as pastors.
“We took out that part of the language that we have been fighting about for 52 years,” said Adam Hamitlon, senior pastor at Resurrection, A United Methodist Church. Resurrection has six area locations and is the largest United Methodist congregation in the country. Pastor Hamilton was in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Wednesday’s vote to eliminate the church's longstanding on LGBTQ clergy. (KSBH 5/1/24) READ MORE>>>>>
San Francisco drag group mocks Christians with 'Hunky Jesus', 'Foxy Mary' contests on Easter
An LGBTQ+ drag group held a "Hunky Jesus" and "Foxy Mary" costume contest in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, appearing to mock Christians on their most holy of holidays. The "queer and trans nuns" known as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence held their annual costume competition in Dolores Park on Sunday with thousands reported in attendance, including at least one state lawmaker. Contestants dressed as "playful, lewd reinterpretations of Jesus and Mary" competed against each other in drag and dance performances, according to the SF Gate. (Fox New 4/1/24) Read More>>>>>
An LGBTQ+ drag group held a "Hunky Jesus" and "Foxy Mary" costume contest in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, appearing to mock Christians on their most holy of holidays. The "queer and trans nuns" known as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence held their annual costume competition in Dolores Park on Sunday with thousands reported in attendance, including at least one state lawmaker. Contestants dressed as "playful, lewd reinterpretations of Jesus and Mary" competed against each other in drag and dance performances, according to the SF Gate. (Fox New 4/1/24) Read More>>>>>
Chris Christie ties his shift on gay marriage to Vatican ruling on same-sex blessings
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, once an opponent of same-sex marriage, said Thursday his views on the matter have shifted, citing the Vatican’s recent document on same-sex blessings as evidence that “even the Church is changing.” “And so you know for me, it’s still, it was a process I had to go through to change the way I’ve been raised both from a family perspective and what my mother and father taught me and felt and also from a religious perspective and … what my Church taught me to believe,” Christie said at a town hall event in Epping, New Hampshire. (Joe Bukuras/Catholic News Agency 12/29/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, once an opponent of same-sex marriage, said Thursday his views on the matter have shifted, citing the Vatican’s recent document on same-sex blessings as evidence that “even the Church is changing.” “And so you know for me, it’s still, it was a process I had to go through to change the way I’ve been raised both from a family perspective and what my mother and father taught me and felt and also from a religious perspective and … what my Church taught me to believe,” Christie said at a town hall event in Epping, New Hampshire. (Joe Bukuras/Catholic News Agency 12/29/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Most-read analysis pieces addressed patriarchy, complementarianism, LGBTQ inclusion and Christian nationalism
The most-read Baptist News Global analysis pieces in 2023 focused on patriarchy and complementarianism, LGBTQ inclusion, fundamentalism and Christian nationalism. Personalities like Amy Grant, Greg Locke, John MacArthur, Rick Warren and Karen Swallow Prior were among the leading personalities featured in the Top 20 analysis articles for the year. (Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global) READ MORE>>>>>
The most-read Baptist News Global analysis pieces in 2023 focused on patriarchy and complementarianism, LGBTQ inclusion, fundamentalism and Christian nationalism. Personalities like Amy Grant, Greg Locke, John MacArthur, Rick Warren and Karen Swallow Prior were among the leading personalities featured in the Top 20 analysis articles for the year. (Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global) READ MORE>>>>>
ReStory Ministries Resources Churches and Parents on LGBTQ Issues
Flooding the altars of conferences and resource vaults of ReStory Ministries are church leaders and parents who are searching for Biblical yet compassionate ways of navigating cultural hot topics. ReStory Ministries founded by Ginger (Hahn) Stahl and several other Assemblies of God adherents affected by LGBTQ, offers an unashamedly Pentecostal perspective to equip pastors, missionaries, parents, and concerned believers on issues regarding sexuality and identity. Seiler was among the ReStory founders and now serves as its executive director. LGBTQ ideology is flooding the United States. Seiler, a U.S. missionary serving with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, calls it an epidemic that is spreading among the younger generation at an alarming rate. Parents, leaders, and Christian family members are being hit hard as they struggle to navigate this delicate issue.
(Ashley B Grant/Assemblies of God 11/29/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Flooding the altars of conferences and resource vaults of ReStory Ministries are church leaders and parents who are searching for Biblical yet compassionate ways of navigating cultural hot topics. ReStory Ministries founded by Ginger (Hahn) Stahl and several other Assemblies of God adherents affected by LGBTQ, offers an unashamedly Pentecostal perspective to equip pastors, missionaries, parents, and concerned believers on issues regarding sexuality and identity. Seiler was among the ReStory founders and now serves as its executive director. LGBTQ ideology is flooding the United States. Seiler, a U.S. missionary serving with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, calls it an epidemic that is spreading among the younger generation at an alarming rate. Parents, leaders, and Christian family members are being hit hard as they struggle to navigate this delicate issue.
(Ashley B Grant/Assemblies of God 11/29/23) READ MORE>>>>>
F.L. Copeland’s suicide is a painful glimpse into the inner conflict of trans identity
The tragic death by suicide of Alabama mayor, business leader, and Baptist pastor, F.L. Copeland became a national focus last week when LGBTQ Nation, followed by Fox News, broke the story. Sadly, it is the perfect injustice to incite public outrage on many fronts: the complex tragedy of emotional distress among those who identify as transgender, the lived experience of the transgender subculture, and the intersection of these with Christianity. For many, the outrage is motivated by protecting and affirming those who identify as transgender. For others, there is anger at the perversion and lack of integrity of Christian leadership through sexual immorality. However, I want to caution against reducing this heart-wrenching situation to either of these perspectives. Any suicide is a tragedy, and Copeland’s death should cause followers of Jesus to pause.
(Elizabeth Woning/Christian Post/NBC News 11/19/23) Read More>>>>>
The tragic death by suicide of Alabama mayor, business leader, and Baptist pastor, F.L. Copeland became a national focus last week when LGBTQ Nation, followed by Fox News, broke the story. Sadly, it is the perfect injustice to incite public outrage on many fronts: the complex tragedy of emotional distress among those who identify as transgender, the lived experience of the transgender subculture, and the intersection of these with Christianity. For many, the outrage is motivated by protecting and affirming those who identify as transgender. For others, there is anger at the perversion and lack of integrity of Christian leadership through sexual immorality. However, I want to caution against reducing this heart-wrenching situation to either of these perspectives. Any suicide is a tragedy, and Copeland’s death should cause followers of Jesus to pause.
(Elizabeth Woning/Christian Post/NBC News 11/19/23) Read More>>>>>
Inside the anti-LGBTQ effort to put Christianity back in schools
Political and religious leaders who have long fought to put God and prayer back in schools are seizing on a growing backlash against transgender people to advance their agenda. Some evangelical pastors who regularly deliver sermons in support of school prayer have recently added a twist — preaching that Christian traditions are needed in classrooms to stop children from identifying as transgender.
(Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton/NBC News 10/4/23) Read More>>>>>
Political and religious leaders who have long fought to put God and prayer back in schools are seizing on a growing backlash against transgender people to advance their agenda. Some evangelical pastors who regularly deliver sermons in support of school prayer have recently added a twist — preaching that Christian traditions are needed in classrooms to stop children from identifying as transgender.
(Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton/NBC News 10/4/23) Read More>>>>>
June 22, 2023: Flux: American Evangelicals promoted anti-gay bills in Uganda, now US talks sanctions against Uganda for passing very same anti-gay bills
Uganda recently signed an anti-gay bill into law. Called by some the “worst of its kind in the world,” the law imposes life imprisonment for same-sex relations while using colonial language that such acts are “against the order of nature.”
Uganda recently signed an anti-gay bill into law. Called by some the “worst of its kind in the world,” the law imposes life imprisonment for same-sex relations while using colonial language that such acts are “against the order of nature.”
Autumn Leva
“A political agenda has taken over what would normally be in the realm of parents and medical professionals. We’ve completely turned that (weaponization) around, and now elected leaders are lining up to make sure they show that they do not stand for children being transitioned.”
-Autumn Leva on transgender rights; Baptist News Global; 5.30.23
Jann Aldredge-Clanton
When my own Baptist tradition excluded me, Methodists opened wide their arms to welcome my pastoral ministry. Methodists could apply the liberating message of Jesus to me and other women barred from ministry by traditional biblical misinterpretations, so why would they not apply this same liberating message to LGBTQ people?
Millions of United Methodists worldwide, however, do support full inclusion of LGBTQ people, and many have written powerful statements based on the Bible. Many others continue to take biblical passages out of context, instead of using established hermeneutical principles they apply to other parts of Scripture, to back the “Traditional Plan” the General Conference adopted to reinforce the ban on LBGTQ clergy ordination and same-sex marriage. --Jann Aldredge Clanton; Baptist News Global; 3.19.19
Millions of United Methodists worldwide, however, do support full inclusion of LGBTQ people, and many have written powerful statements based on the Bible. Many others continue to take biblical passages out of context, instead of using established hermeneutical principles they apply to other parts of Scripture, to back the “Traditional Plan” the General Conference adopted to reinforce the ban on LBGTQ clergy ordination and same-sex marriage. --Jann Aldredge Clanton; Baptist News Global; 3.19.19
Mar 8, 2023: Christian Post: 'Orwellian': Street preacher appeals conviction for 'misgendering' man who identifies as a woman
A British Christian street preacher who was prosecuted and reported to counter-terrorism for alleged “misgendering” by refusing to say a man is a woman is appealing his conviction. He has been sharing the Bible’s message that we have all sinned by disobeying God’s laws for 15 years.
A British Christian street preacher who was prosecuted and reported to counter-terrorism for alleged “misgendering” by refusing to say a man is a woman is appealing his conviction. He has been sharing the Bible’s message that we have all sinned by disobeying God’s laws for 15 years.
Feb 9, 2023: Gospel Coalition: Downplaying the Sin of Homosexuality Won’t Win the Next Generation
Much has been made of Andy Stanley’s recently surfaced comments about church leaders and homosexuality—specifically his counsel on how the church must approach this issue if we’re to advance the gospel into the next generation.
Much has been made of Andy Stanley’s recently surfaced comments about church leaders and homosexuality—specifically his counsel on how the church must approach this issue if we’re to advance the gospel into the next generation.
Feb 7, 2023: Religion Unplugged: Why Do Modern Christians Favor, Or Oppose, Same-Sex Marriage?
(OPINION) THE QUESTION:
Why do 21st century Christians favor, or oppose, same-sex marriage?
(OPINION) THE QUESTION:
Why do 21st century Christians favor, or oppose, same-sex marriage?
Jan 28, 2023: Mother Jones: Being Gay Shouldn’t Be a Crime, Pope Says
In an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis has become the first Roman Catholic pontiff to denounce laws that criminalize homosexuality.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” the 86-year-old pontiff told the AP on Tuesday. Laws that criminalize homosexuality, Francis said, are “unjust,” and the Catholic Church “must” seek to end them.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis has become the first Roman Catholic pontiff to denounce laws that criminalize homosexuality.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” the 86-year-old pontiff told the AP on Tuesday. Laws that criminalize homosexuality, Francis said, are “unjust,” and the Catholic Church “must” seek to end them.
Jan 26., 2023: Catholic News Agency: Christian baker loses appeal over transgender birthday cake case
A Colorado appellate court has ruled against a baker who appeared in court once again for declining to make a cake that contradicts his religious beliefs.
While Jack Phillips’ successful U.S. Supreme Court case concerned his refusal to make a same-sex wedding cake, he now faces a civil lawsuit for declining to make a cake celebrating a purported gender transition of a transgender-identifying attorney
A Colorado appellate court has ruled against a baker who appeared in court once again for declining to make a cake that contradicts his religious beliefs.
While Jack Phillips’ successful U.S. Supreme Court case concerned his refusal to make a same-sex wedding cake, he now faces a civil lawsuit for declining to make a cake celebrating a purported gender transition of a transgender-identifying attorney
Jan 26, 2023: Christian Post: Andy Stanley says gay churchgoers 'have more faith than a lot of you'
Stanley, who leads the multi-site North Point Ministries and North Point Community Church based in Alpharetta, Georgia, said in a now-viral sermon clip that any LGBT individual who continues to go to church has "more faith than a lot of you."
"A gay person who still wants to attend church after the way they've been treated, I'm telling you, they have more faith than I do," Stanley said in the clip, which had over 1.2 million views on Twitter alone as of Thursday. "They have more faith than a lot of you."
Stanley, who leads the multi-site North Point Ministries and North Point Community Church based in Alpharetta, Georgia, said in a now-viral sermon clip that any LGBT individual who continues to go to church has "more faith than a lot of you."
"A gay person who still wants to attend church after the way they've been treated, I'm telling you, they have more faith than I do," Stanley said in the clip, which had over 1.2 million views on Twitter alone as of Thursday. "They have more faith than a lot of you."
Jan 13, 2023: Christianity Today: Federal Judge Tosses Challenge to Christian College Exemptions
In the ongoing tension between religious liberty and LGBT rights, the Department of Education and CCCU win one victory.
In the ongoing tension between religious liberty and LGBT rights, the Department of Education and CCCU win one victory.
Dec 9, 2022: ChurchLeader: Amy Grant To Host Niece’s Same-Sex Wedding, Believes Jesus Wants Us To ‘Love God and Love Each Other’
Grant’s influential platform has given her the opportunity to speak out for the LGBTQ community. In 2013, Grant did her first LGBTQ+ press interview with PrideSource.com for the promotion of her “How Mercy Looks From Here” album.
In that interview, Grant answered questions about her faith and the LGBTQ community. She shared, “I know that the religious community has not been very welcoming, but I just want to stress that the journey of faith brings us into community, but it’s really about one relationship. The journey of faith is just being willing and open to have a relationship with God. And everybody is welcome. Everybody.”
Grant’s influential platform has given her the opportunity to speak out for the LGBTQ community. In 2013, Grant did her first LGBTQ+ press interview with PrideSource.com for the promotion of her “How Mercy Looks From Here” album.
In that interview, Grant answered questions about her faith and the LGBTQ community. She shared, “I know that the religious community has not been very welcoming, but I just want to stress that the journey of faith brings us into community, but it’s really about one relationship. The journey of faith is just being willing and open to have a relationship with God. And everybody is welcome. Everybody.”
Dec 8, 2022: Charlotte Observer: Methodist church apologizes for controversial Durham church
On Tuesday, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church sent a letter to neighbors in the Geer Street area, formally apologizing for planting a non-affirming church in the middle of a city that held North Carolina’s very first pride event and a rich history of protest.
On Tuesday, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church sent a letter to neighbors in the Geer Street area, formally apologizing for planting a non-affirming church in the middle of a city that held North Carolina’s very first pride event and a rich history of protest.
June 6, 2022: Gender and sexuality are without a doubt two of the hottest issues of the day. Both are extremely personal, cutting too close to home, and as a result they need to be handled with great care. Conversations about these sensitive topics need to bear in mind that they do not concern mere issues, but fellow humans—“people to be loved,” as Preston Sprinkle suggests in the title of one of his books.
Yet we evangelicals often resort to no less than warmongering rhetoric. We fall prey to the divisive “us versus them” pattern of thinking. Believing ourselves to be in a culture war against the mainstream society, we feel the need to make our voices heard even when no one asked. To the outsider—the one we are pointing our righteous fingers at—we come across as lunatic haters, rather than prophets of hope or bearers of good news.
We may argue that “the Bible is clear on these issues”, adding that we have been called to preach “the truth in love”. And I’d like to believe that, deep down inside, our motivation is love for our neighbours. Yet, more typically, it seems to me that we are speaking out of fear or disgust. If this is our strategy for bringing people to Christ, we should not be surprised when it fails, causing backlash from those we are seeking to convert to our point of view. -Evangelical Focus: The unhelpful ways we talk about gender and sexuality
Yet we evangelicals often resort to no less than warmongering rhetoric. We fall prey to the divisive “us versus them” pattern of thinking. Believing ourselves to be in a culture war against the mainstream society, we feel the need to make our voices heard even when no one asked. To the outsider—the one we are pointing our righteous fingers at—we come across as lunatic haters, rather than prophets of hope or bearers of good news.
We may argue that “the Bible is clear on these issues”, adding that we have been called to preach “the truth in love”. And I’d like to believe that, deep down inside, our motivation is love for our neighbours. Yet, more typically, it seems to me that we are speaking out of fear or disgust. If this is our strategy for bringing people to Christ, we should not be surprised when it fails, causing backlash from those we are seeking to convert to our point of view. -Evangelical Focus: The unhelpful ways we talk about gender and sexuality