Editing Christianity and homosexuality (section)

===Evangelical churches===
The positions of the [[Evangelicalism|evangelical churches]] are varied, according to denominations.<ref>Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 112</ref><ref>{{cite book | first1=William | last1=Henard | first2=Adam | last2=Greenway | title=Evangelicals Engaging Emergent | publisher=B&H Publishing Group | location=USA | year=2009 | page=20}}</ref> Some evangelical denominations have adopted neutral positions, leaving the choice to local churches to decide for [[same-sex marriage]].<ref name="washingtonpost.com">Jacqueline L. Salmon, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/18/AR2007081801167.html Rift Over Gay Unions Reflects Battle New to Black Churches], washingtonpost.com, USA, 19 August 2007</ref><ref name="canadianmennonite.org">Dan Dyck et Dick Benner, [https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/delegates-vote-allow-space-differences Delegates vote to allow space for differences], canadianmennonite.org, Canada, 20 July 2016</ref> Others strongly oppose same-sex marriage, same-sex sexual activity, and expression of gay/lesbian/bisexual identity generally.<ref name = survey-sin/><ref name=autogenerated1/>

==== Evangelical Conservative positions ====
Some Evangelical Christians regard homosexual acts as sinful<ref name = survey-sin>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080606/survey-americans-divided-on-homosexuality-as-sin.htm |title=LifeWay Research study |work=The Christian Post |date=6 June 2008 |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> and think they should not be accepted by society.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/comparisons U.S. Religious landscape survey, 2008] The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life</ref> They tend to interpret [[The Bible and homosexuality|biblical verses on homosexual acts]] to mean that the heterosexual family was created by God<ref>[http://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/marriage_and_family/marriage.aspx Social Issues: Marriage and Family] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022143511/http://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/marriage_and_family/marriage.aspx |date=22 October 2009 }}</ref> to be the [[Familialism|bedrock of civilization]] and that same-sex relationships contradict God's design for marriage and is not his will.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.apacny.net/The%20Christian%20Case%20Against%20Same-Sex%20Marriage.pdf |title=A Biblical Perspective on Same-Sex "Marriage" and Civil Unions |publisher=The Association of Politically Active Christians |date=January 2008 |access-date=2008-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527195055/http://www.apacny.net/The%20Christian%20Case%20Against%20Same-Sex%20Marriage.pdf |archive-date=27 May 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WcyqvWfJnyYC&q=Marriage+and+Family+in+the+Biblical+World+By+Ken+M.+Campbell |title=Marriage and Family in the Biblical World By Ken M. Campbell |access-date=12 November 2011|isbn=9780830827374 |last1=Campbell |first1=Ken M. |date=2003-10-06 |publisher=InterVarsity Press }}</ref><ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zeotd-ylKtwC&q=Straight%2Band%2BNarrow%3F%2BCompassion%2Band%2BClarity%2Bin%2Bthe%2BHomosexuality%2BDebate |title=Straight & Narrow? By Thomas E. Schmidt |access-date=12 November 2011|isbn=9780830877034 |last1=Schmidt |first1=Thomas E. |date=2009-09-20 |publisher=InterVarsity Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXAVf8m_HKgC&q=Homosexuality++By+James+B.+De+Young&pg=PT1 |title=Homosexuality By James B. De Young |access-date=12 November 2011|isbn=9780825495885 |last1=Deyoung |first1=James B. |year=2000 |publisher=Kregel Academic }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robgagnon.net/ArticlesOnline.htm |title=Robert A. J. Gagnon Articles Available Online |publisher=Robgagnon.net |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> Christians who oppose homosexual relationships sometimes argue that same-gender sexual activity is a sin.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE0DE1731F937A35753C1A964958260 |title=Anti-Gay Backlashes Are on 3 States' Ballots |date=4 October 1992 |access-date=6 June 2008 |work=The New York Times | first=Timothy | last=Egan}}</ref>

In opposing interpretations of the Bible that are supportive of homosexual relationships, conservative Christians have argued for the reliability of the Bible,<ref>The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration, by Bruce M. Metzger</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDSR8y911kC&q=inerrancy+of+the+bible |title=Inerrancy By Norman L. Geisler |access-date=12 November 2011|isbn=9780310392811 |last1=Geisler |first1=Norman L. |year=1980 |publisher=Zondervan }}</ref> and the meaning of texts related to homosexual acts,<ref name="books.google.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leaderu.com/theology/biblehomosex_overview.html |title=The Bible and Homosexual Practice: An Overview of Some Issues Dr. Robert Gagnon |publisher=Leaderu.com |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> while often seeing what they call the diminishing of the authority of the Bible by many homosexual authors as being ideologically driven.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0108a.html |title=Authority of Scripture, by Joseph P. Gudel |publisher=Iclnet.org |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref>

As an alternative to a school-sponsored [[Day of Silence]] opposing bullying of LGBTQ students, conservative Christians organized a Golden Rule Initiative, where they passed out cards saying "As a follower of Christ, I believe that all people are created in the image of God and therefore deserve love and respect."<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080428/christian-golden-rule-bridges-divisions-in-day-of-silence.htm
|newspaper=The Christian Post
|title=Christian Golden Rule Bridges Divisions in 'Day of Silence'
|first=Aaron
|last=Leichman
|date=28 April 2008}}</ref> Others created a [[Day of Dialogue]] to oppose what they believe is the silencing of Christian students who make public their opposition to homosexuality.

On 29 August 2017, the [[Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood]] released a manifesto on human sexuality known as the "Nashville Statement". The statement was signed by 150 evangelical leaders, and includes 14 points of belief.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meyer |first=Holly |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/08/29/evangelical-manifesto-human-sexuality/614201001/ |title=More than 150 evangelical religious leaders sign 'Christian manifesto' on human sexuality |date=29 August 2017 |work=USA Today |access-date=30 August 2017}}</ref>

===== Fundamentalist position =====
It is in some [[Christian fundamentalism|fundamentalist conservative]] positions, that there are [[anti-LGBT]] activists on TV or radio who accuse homosexual people of a [[gay agenda]] and of being responsible for social problems, such as terrorism.<ref>"Some notable fundamentalist and conservative evangelical television and radio speakers frequently blame gays in America for an assortment of social problems, including terrorism (…)" in Roger E. Olson, ''The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 315</ref><ref name = siker>Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 114</ref><ref>Ralph R. Smith, Russel R. Windes, ''Progay/Antigay: The Rhetorical War Over Sexuality'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2000, p. 29</ref><ref>David Rayside, ''Faith, Politics, and Sexual Diversity in Canada and the United States'', UBC Press, Canada, 2011, p. 73-74</ref> Some fundamentalists also regularly accuse homosexuals of being responsible for [[natural disasters]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dominey-Howes |first1=Dale |last2=Gorman-Murray |first2=Andrew |last3=McKinnon |first3=Scott |title=Queering disasters: on the need to account for LGBTI experiences in natural disaster contexts |journal=Gender, Place & Culture |date=2014 |volume=21 |issue=7 |pages=905–918 |doi=10.1080/0966369X.2013.802673 |s2cid=146478126 |url=https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/21638}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dowling |first1=Tim |title=Superstorm Sandy and many more disasters that have been blamed on the gay community |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2012/oct/30/hurricane-sandy-disasters-blamed-gay-community |access-date=24 August 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=30 October 2012}}</ref> Some evangelical churches in [[Uganda]] strongly oppose homosexuality and homosexuals. They have campaigned for laws criminalizing homosexuality.<ref>Ezra Chitando, Adriaan van Klinken, ''Christianity and Controversies Over Homosexuality in Contemporary Africa'', Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 8</ref>

===== Moderate position =====
Some churches have a [[Moderate evangelical theology|moderate]] [[conservatism|Conservative]] position. They only support sexuality in [[marriage]] between a man and a woman, but show sympathy and respect towards homosexual people.<ref>Stephen Hunt, ''Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities'', Routledge, UK, 2016, p. 40-41</ref> Churches thus see themselves as "welcoming, but not affirming".<ref>Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 241</ref><ref>Mark Jennings, [https://theconversation.com/welcoming-but-not-affirming-being-gay-and-christian-64110 ‘Welcoming, but not affirming’: being gay and Christian], theconversation.com, USA, 30 August 2016</ref> This expression has its origin in the book ''Welcoming but Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality'' published in 1998 by the American [[Baptist]] theologian [[Stanley Grenz]].<ref>Roger E. Olson, ''The Westminster Handbook to Evangelical Theology'', Westminster John Knox Press, USA, 2004, p. 316</ref>

====== Organizations ======
The French Evangelical Alliance, a member of the European Evangelical Alliance and the [[World Evangelical Alliance]], adopted on 12 October 2002, through its National Council, a document entitled {{lang|fr|Foi, espérance et homosexualité}} ("Faith, Hope and Homosexuality"), in which homophobia, hatred and rejection of homosexuals are condemned, but which denies homosexual practices and full church membership of unrepentant homosexuals and those who approve of these practices.<ref>Claire Lesegretain, ''Les chrétiens et l'homosexualité : l'enquête'', Bouquineo, France, 2011, p. 397</ref> In 2015, the Conseil national des évangéliques de France (French National Council of Evangelicals) reaffirmed its position on the issue by opposing marriage of same-sex couples, while not rejecting homosexuals, but wanting to offer them more than a blessing; an accompaniment and a welcome.<ref>Loup Besmond de Senneville, la-croix.com, [http://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Actualite/Benediction-de-couples-homosexuels-critiques-vives-des-protestants-evangeliques-2015-05-18-1313309 Bénédiction de couples homosexuels: critiques vives des protestants évangéliques], France, 18 May 2015</ref>

The French evangelical pastor Philippe Auzenet, a chaplain of the association Oser en parler, regularly intervenes on the subject in the media. It promotes dialogue and respect, as well as sensitization in order to better understand homosexuals.<ref>Nicolas Ciarapica, aleloo.com, [http://www.aleloo.com/journal/index.php/2006/04/30/134-parler-de-l-homosexualite-interview-de-philippe-auzenet Parler de l'homosexualité, interview de Philippe Auzenet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116173746/http://www.aleloo.com/journal/index.php/2006/04/30/134-parler-de-l-homosexualite-interview-de-philippe-auzenet |date=16 January 2017 }}, France, 30 April 2006</ref> He also said in 2012 that Jesus would go to a gay bar, because he was going to all people with love.<ref>La Dépêche de Tahiti, [http://consultation.ladepeche.pf/article/societe/%E2%80%9Cjesus-irait-dans-un-bar-gay%E2%80%9D "JÉSUS IRAIT DANS UN BAR GAY"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202012736/http://consultation.ladepeche.pf/article/societe/%E2%80%9Cjesus-irait-dans-un-bar-gay%E2%80%9D |date=2 February 2017 }}, France, 4 December 2012</ref>

==== Liberal positions ====
===== International =====
There are some international evangelical associations that are [[gay-friendly]], such as the [[Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists]] and [[Affirming Pentecostal Church International]].<ref name="brack1">William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603</ref><ref>Adrian Thatcher, ''The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender'', Oxford University Press, UK, 2015, p. 368</ref>

===== U.S. =====
A 2014 survey reported that 43% of white evangelical American Christians between the ages of 18 and 33 supported same-sex marriage.<ref>Carol Kuruvilla, [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/29/evangelical-christians-support-marriage-equality_n_7690408.html Meet The Evangelicals Who Cheered The SCOTUS Gay Marriage Ruling], ''HuffPost'', USA, 29 June 2015</ref> Some evangelical churches accept homosexuality and celebrate gay weddings.<ref>TOM GJELTEN, MARISA PEÑALOZA, [https://www.npr.org/2016/05/10/476651599/acceptance-grows-slowly-but-steadily-for-gay-evangelicals Acceptance Grows, Slowly But Steadily, For Gay Evangelicals], NPR, USA, 10 May 2016</ref><ref>AP, [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34493087 Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays], NBC News, USA, 19 December 2009</ref> The change in beliefs in favor of gay marriage in evangelical churches has certain consequences for them.<ref>Heidi Hall, [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/03/evangelical-churches-lgbt_n_6795764.html Evangelical Churches Grapple With LGBT Inclusion], ''HuffPost'', USA, 3 March 2015</ref> Various churches thus received an [[excommunication]] from their [[Christian denomination]] for not respecting the [[confession of faith]].<ref>Associated Press, [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/29/minneapolis-pastor-and-his-church-expelled-for-permitting-gay-marriage Minneapolis pastor and his church expelled for permitting gay marriage], theguardian.com, UK, 29 June 2019</ref> Other churches have faced significant departures of members from their congregations, seeing their financial resources diminish.<ref>Andrew J. Yawn,[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/04/southern-baptist-convention-georgia-church-accepts-gay-members/4840775001/ A Georgia church, kicked out of the SBC for allowing gay members, wants to make sure 'everybody's welcome'], usatoday.com, USA, 4 April 2021</ref>

==== Neutral positions ====
Some evangelical associations have adopted neutral positions, leaving the choice to local churches to decide for [[same-sex marriage]].<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/><ref name="canadianmennonite.org"/>

====Denominational positions====

===== Anabaptism =====
{{Main|Homosexuality and Mennonites}}
Most Mennonite associations hold a conservative position on homosexuality.<ref name="kray1">Donald B. Kraybill, ''Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites'', JHU Press, USA, 2010, p. 108</ref>

The Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests was founded in 1976 in the US and has member churches of different associations in the US and Canada.<ref name="kray1"/>

The [[Mennonite Church Canada]] leaves the choice to each church for [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>Dan Dyck et Dick Benner, [https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/delegates-vote-allow-space-differences Delegates vote to allow space for differences], canadianmennonite.org, Canada, 20 July 2016</ref>

The [[Mennonites in the Netherlands|Mennonite Church in the Netherlands]] and the [[Mennonite Church USA]] permit same-sex marriage.<ref>Susan M. Shaw, ''Women and Religion: Global Lives in Focus'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2021, p. 96</ref><ref>Paul Schrag, [https://anabaptistworld.org/delegates-repeal-membership-guidelines-pass-lgbtq-affirming-resolution/ Delegates repeal Membership Guidelines, pass LGBTQ-affirming resolution], anabaptistworld.org, USA, 29 May 2022</ref>

===== Baptist =====
{{main|Homosexuality and Baptist churches}}
Most [[Baptist]] associations around the world hold a conservative view on homosexuality.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519</ref>

Some Baptist associations in the United States do not have official beliefs about marriage in a [[confession of faith]] and invoke [[congregationalism]] to leave the choice to each church to decide.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503</ref><ref>Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243</ref> This is the case of [[American Baptist Churches USA]], [[Progressive National Baptist Convention]] (USA), [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] (USA), [[National Baptist Convention, USA]] and the [[Baptist Union of Great Britain]]. 

Some Baptist associations support same-sex marriage. This is the case of the [[Alliance of Baptists]] (USA),<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 14</ref> the [[Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms]],<ref> William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 628 </ref> the [[Aliança de Batistas do Brasil]],<ref>Renato Cavallera, [https://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/alianca-batista-aprova-uniao-gay-boa-nova-20090.html Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma "boa nova"], noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, 25 May 2011</ref> the [[Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba]],<ref>Javier Roque Martínez, [https://newsweekespanol.com/2022/02/cristianismo-no-papel-relevante-gobierno-cubano/ 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano'], newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, 17 February 2022 </ref> and the [[Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists]] (international).<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603</ref>

=====Pentecostalism=====
{{main|Homosexuality and Pentecostalism}}

Most Pentecostal associations take a conservative stance on homosexuality.<ref>Adrian Thatcher, ''The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender'', Oxford University Press, USA, 2015, p. 362</ref>

The Covenant Network was formed in 2000 in [[Atlanta]], Georgia, United States, and allow [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.newcovenantatlanta.com/about |title= About Us |access-date=19 March 2024}}</ref><ref> David Catt, [https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-hills/castle-hill-the-new-home-to-gaysupportive-new-covenant-sydney-church/news-story/88404366e0586ea3fa0bb64becbc5fb5 Castle Hill the new home to gay-supportive New Covenant Sydney church], dailytelegraph.com.au, Australia, 22 September 2014</ref> According to a denomination census released in 2023, it has 18 churches in 3 countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thecovenantnetwork.com/churches/|title= Churches|accessdate= 19 March 2024}}</ref>