‘Just as I am, without one plea’: a journey to reconcile sexuality and spirituality

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to share my own narrative on theological exegesis and my life journey as a gay Christian in my expedition to reconcile sexuality and faith. The main focus will be on religion, gender, sexuality and sexual health issues as they affect African lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in the UK and Africa. The article will examine patterns that either deny or lead to a complete reconciliation.Today, many LGBTI people struggle in society to reconcile sexuality, culture and faith. This article will focus on the journey to reconcile spirituality and sexuality. Other areas also covered are human rights, including issues in and around the activities of sexual health organisations and religious communities. This article focuses on:• the marginalisation of LGBTI Christians of African and Caribbean descent• the challenges of having to deal with sexual orientation and health• the trauma of being non heterosexual where faith dominates the spectrum of living• the effects of religious homophobia and exclusion from religious communities.This article also explores the experience of African LGBTI people generally scrambling for something in which to put their confidence for the future. There is no doubt that Christianity is relevant to many situations, there are endless list of examples, injustice, dysfunctional families, unemployment, culture, poverty, social justice, breach of human rights, inequality, misogyny, denominational rife, unruly government, homophobia, discrimination, corruption, and hypocrisy of the religious communities. We therefore need a balance to restore order, sanity, love, endurance, control, gratitude, accountability, respect, manners, responsibility, liberation, freedom, helping the poor, works, support, preaching the gospel of inclusion, baptising the people and winning souls.