Congregational Discernment and LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Process Lessons from 21 Congregations

Helen Harris,Gaynor I Yancey,Kimberly Dawson,Jess Gregory

doi:10.3390/rel12010025

Abstract

The question of LGBTQ+ inclusion in churches is rapidly becoming an open conversation in congregations and denominations seeking answers in policy and practice. As society is engaging the question of LGBTQ+ rights in the courts, denominations are addressing LGBTQ+ inclusion, and as increasing numbers of LGBTQ+ Christians come out in their faith communities, church members and their churches, with their religious structures, are called on to take positions, often in the absence of agreement. In background research and 97 interviews with leaders and members of 21 congregations in three denominations, a research team discovered processes, models for conversation, and resources to address the risks of division and changes in membership and finances. In the following article, the authors include findings and resources from congregations, process models, and suggestions and possibilities for families of faith considering how to move forward in addressing one of the more pressing and divisive issues in the church.

Highlights

Persons who identify as Christian and as LGBTQ+ often experience marginalization in the churches in which they grew up and in the denominations in which they may feel called to serve (Baldock 2014; Cole and Harris 2017; Gold 2008; Harris et al 2020; Robertson 2017)
The results provide an overview of the broad categories of processes and of lessons learned
The discernment process resulted in decisions that led to additional conversations motivated by response to LGBTQ+ members and leaders

Summary

Introduction

Persons who identify as Christian and as LGBTQ+ often experience marginalization in the churches in which they grew up and in the denominations in which they may feel called to serve (Baldock 2014; Cole and Harris 2017; Gold 2008; Harris et al 2020; Robertson 2017). Persons who identify as Christian and as LGBTQ+ are increasingly visible in the culture and in churches. Denominations and congregations have both the challenge and the opportunity to address questions of membership, leadership, and participation in sacraments like marriage and the blessing of children. There are models emerging to guide the conversations, but few are for congregations. This article explores the discernment experiences and recommendations of 97 participants in 21 congregations and 3 denominations

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion