Editing Christianity and homosexuality

{{Short description|none}}
{{more citations needed|date=April 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
[[File:Gay Cross.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Symbolic depiction of the intersection of [[Christianity]] and [[LGBTQ community|LGBTQ people]], combining the [[Christian cross]] and [[Rainbow flag (LGBTQ)|LGBTQ rainbow flag]]]]
{{LGBT topics and Christianity|expanded=overview}}
{{Christianity|expanded=hide}}

Christianity developed during the 1st century AD as a Jewish Christian sect and, as such, many of its views were rooted in Jewish teaching. As Christianity established itself as a separate religion, with its own scriptures, some views moved away from the Jewish roots while others remained firmly grounded in Jewish tradition. The view within Christianity is that the Jewish scriptures within what became known as The Old Testament, as well as passages within what became known as The New Testament, both make clear that same-sex sexual behaviour is [[Sin in Christianity|sinful]] – an interpretation supported by the wording of certain translations of the Bible.<ref name="Gnuse 2015">{{cite journal |last=Gnuse |first=Robert K. |date=May 2015 |title=Seven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality |journal=[[Biblical Theology Bulletin]] |publisher=[[SAGE Publications]] on behalf of Biblical Theology Bulletin Inc. |volume=45 |issue=2 |page=75 |url=https://fccmoline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/gnuse-seven-gay-texts.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803200419/https://fccmoline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/gnuse-seven-gay-texts.pdf |archive-date=3 August 2021 |doi=10.1177/0146107915577097 |issn=1945-7596 |s2cid=170127256 |quote=[I]n later years some church fathers, such as Origen, St. Ambrose, and John Cassian, commented upon the sin of Sodom as crass inhospitality to strangers (Boswell: 98, 346). Not until the 4th century ce do church fathers consistently begin to clearly make the equation with homosexuality (Michaelson: 67).}}</ref><ref name="religion spirituality psychiatry">{{cite book|last1=Koenig|first1=Harold G.|last2=Dykman|first2=Jackson|title=Religion and Spirituality in Psychiatry|year=2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=9780521889520|pages=42–43|quote=The earliest interpretations of [the story of Sodom and Gomorrah] focused on the Sodomites' arrogance and rudeness to strangers; God killed them for incivility to his angels. The theme of sexuality [being the sin of Sodom] emerged full force in the first century BC writings of Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish historian. Rabbinical writings about Sodom generally did not mention homosexuality.}}</ref>

Today, some mainly liberal [[Christian denomination|denominations]], churches and individuals hold views that differ from traditional interpretations. Most denominations teach that homosexual behavior and acts are [[sinful]].<ref name="religion spirituality psychiatry"/> The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and the [[Catholic Church]] officially condemn homosexual activity as sin. Various [[mainline Protestant]] denominations in the USA, Canada and the UK now view same-sex behaviour as equally valid and allow clergy to perform same-sex marriages.

== History ==
{{Main|History of Christianity and homosexuality|The Bible and homosexuality}}

The [[The Bible and homosexuality|Hebrew Bible]] and its traditional interpretations in [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]] have historically affirmed and endorsed a [[Patriarchy|patriarchal]] and [[Heteronormativity|heteronormative]] approach towards [[human sexuality]],<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016">{{cite book |author-last=Mbuwayesango |author-first=Dora R. |year=2016 |origyear=2015 |chapter=Part III: The Bible and Bodies – Sex and Sexuality in Biblical Narrative |editor-last=Fewell |editor-first=Danna N. |editor-link=Danna Nolan Fewell |title=The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Narrative |location=[[Oxford]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |pages=456–465 |doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199967728.013.39 |isbn=9780199967728 |lccn=2015033360 |s2cid=146505567}}</ref><ref name="Leeming 2003">{{cite journal |author-last=Leeming |author-first=David A. |author-link=David Adams Leeming |date=June 2003 |title=Religion and Sexuality: The Perversion of a Natural Marriage |editor-last=Carey |editor-first=Lindsay B. |journal=[[Journal of Religion and Health]] |publisher=[[Springer Verlag]] |volume=42 |issue=2 |pages=101–109 |doi=10.1023/A:1023621612061 |issn=1573-6571 |jstor=27511667 |s2cid=38974409}}</ref> favouring exclusively [[Heterosexual intercourse|penetrative vaginal intercourse between men and women]] within the boundaries of [[marriage]] over all other forms of [[human sexual activity]],<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016"/><ref name="Leeming 2003"/> including [[autoeroticism]], [[masturbation]], [[oral sex]], [[Non-penetrative sex|non-penetrative]] and [[Homosexual sexual practices|non-heterosexual]] sexual intercourse (all of which have been labeled as "[[sodomy]]" at various times).<ref>{{cite book |last=Sauer |first=Michelle M. |year=2015 |chapter=The Unexpected Actuality: "Deviance" and Transgression |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U8mBCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA74 |title=Gender in Medieval Culture |location=[[London]] |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]] |pages=74–78 |doi=10.5040/9781474210683.ch-003 |isbn=978-1-4411-2160-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite thesis |last=McCann |first=Christine A. |date=2010 |title=Transgressing the Boundaries of Holiness: Sexual Deviance in the Early Medieval Penitential Handbooks of Ireland, England and France 500–1000 |type=PhD |publisher=Seton Hall University |page=35 |quote=[B]y the later middle ages both the terms sodomy and 'the sin against nature' had expanded to include anything which was not heterosexual intercourse in the missionary position.}}</ref>

They have believed and taught that such behaviors are forbidden because they are considered [[Sin in Christianity|sinful]],<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016"/><ref name="Leeming 2003"/> and further compared to or derived from the behavior of the alleged residents of [[Sodom and Gomorrah]].<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016"/><ref name="Gnuse 2015"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=29699 |title=Bishop Soto tells NACDLGM: 'Homosexuality is Sinful' |last=Gilbert |first=Kathleen |date=29 September 2008 |website=Catholic Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930122028/http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=29699 |archive-date=30 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/religion/news/2010/12/08/8822/what-are-religious-texts-really-saying-about-gay-and-transgender-rights/ |title=What are Religious Texts Really Saying about Gay and Transgender Rights? |last1=Robinson |first1=Gene |last2=Krehely |first2=Jeff |last3=Steenland |first3=Sally |date=8 December 2010 |website=Center for American Progress |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/xarchive/voices/the-story-of-sodom-and-gomorrah-was-not-about-homosexuality-20180719 |title=The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah was NOT About Homosexuality |last=Modisane |first=Cameron |date=15 November 2014 |website=News24 |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref> However, the status of LGBTQ people in [[early Christianity]] is debated.<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Doerfler |author-first=Maria E. |year=2016 |origyear=2014 |chapter=Coming Apart at the Seams: Cross-dressing, Masculinity, and the Social Body in Late Antiquity |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7fsoDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |editor1-last=Upson-Saia |editor1-first=Kristi |editor2-last=Daniel-Hughes |editor2-first=Carly |editor3-last=Batten |editor3-first=Alicia J. |title=Dressing Judeans and Christians in Antiquity |location=[[London]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Routledge]] |edition=1st |pages=37–51 |doi=10.4324/9781315578125-9 |isbn=9780367879334 |lccn=2014000554 |oclc=921583924 |s2cid=165559811}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author-last=Hunter |author-first=David G. |year=2015 |chapter=Celibacy Was "Queer": Rethinking Early Christianity |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VgDSBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA13 |editor1-last=Talvacchia |editor1-first=Kathleen T. |editor2-last=Pettinger |editor2-first=Michael F. |editor3-last=Larrimore |editor3-first=Mark |title=Queer Christianities: Lived Religion in Transgressive Forms |location=[[New York City|New York]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[NYU Press]] |pages=13–24 |isbn=9781479851812 |jstor=j.ctt13x0q0q.6 |lccn=2014025201 |s2cid=152944605}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Frost|first=Natasha|date=2018-03-02|title=A Modern Controversy Over Ancient Homosexuality|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/john-boswell-homosexuality-catholicism-history|access-date=2021-04-24|website=Atlas Obscura|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McClain|first=Lisa|title=A thousand years ago, the Catholic Church paid little attention to homosexuality|url=http://theconversation.com/a-thousand-years-ago-the-catholic-church-paid-little-attention-to-homosexuality-112830|access-date=2021-04-24|website=The Conversation|date=10 April 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[history of Christianity and homosexuality]] has been much debated with these disagreements often concerning the translations of certain phrases, or the meaning and context of some [[Bible|biblical passages]].<ref name="Gnuse 2015"/>

The extent to which the Bible mentions the subject, whether or not it is condemned, and whether the various passages apply today, have become contentious topics in the 20th and 21st centuries. Significant debate has arisen over the proper interpretation of the [[Book of Leviticus|Levitical code]]; the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah; and various [[Pauline epistles|Pauline passages]] which appear to condemn same-sex sexual activities.<ref name="Gnuse 2015"/>

==Christian denominational positions==
{{Main|List of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality}}

[[File:Sodoma - Aldegrever.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Lot (biblical person)|Lot]] prevents [[Sodom and Gomorrah|sodomites]] from raping the angels'', [[Heinrich Aldegrever]], 1555]]
[[File:Bor-Nederlantsche-Oorloghen 9161.tif|thumb|Execution by fire and torture of five homosexual Franciscan friars, Bruges, 26 July 1578]]
[[File:2006 protesters at union square.jpg|thumb|right|Christian protesters at a 2006 [[gay pride]] event in [[San Francisco]]]]

===Catholic Church===
{{Main|Catholic Church and homosexuality}}
{{See also|Catholic theology of sexuality}}

The [[Catholic Church]] views as sinful any sexual act not related to procreation by a couple joined in marriage.<ref name="CCC2357">[http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2357 Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 2357-9]; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2351, 2391, 2396</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholic.com/library/Birth_Control.asp |title=Birth Control &#124; Catholic Answers |publisher=Catholic.com |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213012353/http://www.catholic.com/library/Birth_Control.asp |archive-date=13 December 2009 }}</ref> The Church states that "homosexual tendencies" are "objectively disordered", but does not consider the tendency itself to be sinful but rather a temptation toward sin.<ref name="CCC2357"/><ref name=":1" />

The [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] states that "men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies{{nbsp}}[...] must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity" and that "every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."<ref name="CCC2357"/> The Church opposes criminal penalties against homosexuality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/2008/documents/rc_seg-st_20081218_statement-sexual-orientation_en.html |title=STATEMENT OF THE HOLY SEE DELEGATION AT THE 63rd SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS ON THE DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY (18 DECEMBER 2008) |publisher=Vatican.va |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> The Catholic Church requires those who are attracted to people of the same (or opposite) sex to practise [[chastity]], because it teaches that sexuality should only be practised within marriage, which includes chaste sex as permanent, [[Procreation|procreative]], heterosexual, and monogamous. The [[Holy See|Vatican]] distinguishes between "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" and the "expression of a transitory problem", in relation to ordination to the [[Priesthood in the Catholic Church|priesthood]]; saying in a [[Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders|2005 document]] that homosexual tendencies "must be clearly overcome at least three years before ordination to the diaconate."<ref name=":1">[https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225072042/https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html |date=25 February 2008 }}, Congregation for Catholic Education, 4 November 2005</ref>

A 2011 report based on telephone surveys of self-identified American Catholics conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 56% believe that sexual relations between two people of the same sex are not sinful.<ref name="USAtoday">{{Cite news |work=USA Today |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2011/03/gay-marriage-catholic-church-/1 |title=U.S. Catholics break with church on gay relationships |date=23 March 2011 |first=Cathy Lynn |last=Grossman}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Public Religion Research Institute |url=http://www.publicreligion.org/research/?id=509 |title=Catholic Attitudes on Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Comprehensive Portrait from Recent Research |date=March 2011}}</ref> Research indicates that the Catholic Church's teachings on sexuality are "a major source of conflict and distress" to LGBTQ Catholics.<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Deguara |author-first=Angele |year=2020 |chapter=The Ambivalent Relationship of LGBT Catholics with the Church |editor1-last=Hood |editor1-first=Ralph W. |editor2-last=Cheruvallil-Contractor |editor2-first=Sariya |title=Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion: A Diversity of Paradigms |volume=31 |pages=487–509 |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |doi=10.1163/9789004443969_025 |isbn=978-90-04-44348-8 |s2cid=241116008 |issn=1046-8064}}</ref>

In January 2018, German bishop [[Franz-Josef Bode]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Osnabrück|Diocese of Osnabrück]], and in February 2018 German Catholic cardinal [[Reinhard Marx]], chairman of the [[German Bishops' Conference]], said in interviews with German journalists that [[blessing of same-sex unions]] is possible in Catholic churches in Germany.<ref>[https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/Bischof-Bode-fuer-Segnung-von-Homo-Paaren,segnung100.html NDR.de: Bischof für Segnung von homosexuellen Paaren (German)], 10 January 2018</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.br.de/nachrichten/kardinal-marx-homosexuelle-100.html| title = Bayrischer Rundfunk.de: "Segnung homosexueller Paare ist möglich"}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/reinhard-marx-kardinal-stellt-segnung-homosexueller-paare-in-aussicht-a-1191270.html| title = Spiegel.de: Kardinal Marx stellt Segnung homosexueller Paare in Aussicht| newspaper = Der Spiegel| date = 3 February 2018}}</ref> In Austria blessing of same sex unions is performed in two churches<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.kirchenzeitung.at/site/archiv/article/20836.html | title=Segen für Verliebte in Oberösterreichs Pfarren | language=de | date=6 February 2018 | work=KirchenZeitung | first=Paul | last=Stütz | access-date=25 January 2019 }}</ref> located in the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Linz]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=30651|website=Queer.de|title=Zum Valentinstag: Katholische Diözese segnet auch Homo-Paare|language=de|trans-title=For Valentine's Day: Catholic Diocese also blesses gay couples}}</ref> In 2021, the [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]] clarified that same-sex civil unions cannot be blessed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catholic Church 'cannot bless same-sex unions'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56402096|work=BBC News|date=15 March 2021}}</ref>

On 11 March 2023, the [[Synodal Path]] with support of over 80 percentage of German Roman Catholic bishops allowed liturgical blessing ceremonies for same-sex unions in all 27 German Roman Catholic diocese.<ref>[https://www.dw.com/en/german-catholic-bishops-back-blessings-for-same-sex-couples/a-64950775 Deutsche Welle: German Catholic bishops back blessings for same-sex couples], 11 March 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/03/10/german-church-synod-same-sex-blessings-244883 American Magazine: German bishops vote in favor of blessing same-sex unions in the Catholic Church]</ref><ref>[https://www.pillarcatholic.com/german-synodal-way-backs-same-sex-blessings/ The pillar: German synodal way backs same-sex blessings], 11 March 2023</ref> A similar decision had been taken a few months earlier by the Flemish bishops of the [[Episcopal Conference of Belgium]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-20 |title=Belgian bishops agree to bless same-sex unions, defying Vatican |url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/20/belgian-bishops-agree-to-bless-same-sex-unions-defying-vatican |access-date= |website=[[Euronews]] |language=en}}</ref> Both decisions received strong condemnation by the [[Holy See]] and by conservative Catholic clergy: Cardinal [[Pietro Parolin]] stated that the German bishops had no authority over the issue and Cardinal [[Wim Eijk]] urged Flemish bishops to withdraw their decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=30 September 2022 |title=Cardinal Eijk: Same-sex blessings undermine Church teaching on marriage |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252428/cardinal-eijk-same-sex-blessings-undermine-church-teaching-on-marriage-sexual-ethics |access-date= |website=[[Catholic News Agency]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Elise Ann |date=2023-03-14 |title=Pope's top aide says Germany can't go it alone on blessing same-sex unions |url=https://cruxnow.com/10th-anniversary-pope-francis-election/2023/03/popes-top-aide-says-germany-cant-go-it-alone-on-blessing-same-sex-unions/ |access-date= |website=[[Crux (online newspaper)|Crux]] |language=en}}</ref>

On 18 December 2023, non-liturgical blessings of same-sex couples in the document ''[[Fiducia supplicans]]'' were approved by [[Pope Francis]] and published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.<ref>[https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/18/0901/01963.html#en Vatican: Dichiarazione, Fiducia supplicans sul senso pastorale delle benedizioni], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://katholisch.de/artikel/49651-katholische-kirche-erlaubt-segnung-fuer-homosexuelle-paare Katholisch.de: Katholische Kirche erlaubt Segnung für homosexuelle Paare], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.n-tv.de/panorama/Papst-ebnet-Weg-fuer-Segnung-homosexueller-Paare-article24609030.html n-tv.de: Papst ebnet Weg für Segnung homosexueller Paare], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/katholische-kirche-papst-franziskus-erlaubt-segnung-unverheirateter-und-homosexueller-paare-a-43a26761-31c0-42ed-8bb2-2504aef7575e Spiegel.de: Papst erlaubt Segnung unverheirateter und homosexueller Paare], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/fiducia-supplicans-doctrine-faith-blessing-irregular-couples.html Vaticannews.va: Doctrinal declaration opens possibility to bless couples in irregular situations ], 18 December 2023</ref> However, "it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage".<ref>United States Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/doctrinal-dicastery-explains-how-when-gay-couples-can-be-blessed</ref>

===Orthodox churches===
{{see also|Eastern Orthodox view of sin#Homosexuality}}

The [[Eastern Orthodox churches]] condemn homosexual acts.<ref>{{Cite book | publisher = Oxford University Press | isbn = 978-0-19-504652-6 | last = Kazhdan | first = A. P. | title = The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium | location = New York | year = 1991 | pages = 945–946}}</ref> The Orthodox Church shares a long history of church teachings and canon law with the Catholic Church and has a similar conservative stance on homosexuality. Some Orthodox Church jurisdictions, such as the [[Orthodox Church in America]], have taken the approach of welcoming people with "homosexual feelings and emotions", while encouraging them to work towards "overcoming its harmful effects in their lives", while not allowing the [[sacraments]] to people who seek to justify homosexual activity.<ref>[http://www.oca.org/DOCmarriage.asp?SID=12&ID=26 Orthodox Church in America] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709033038/http://www.oca.org/DOCmarriage.asp?SID=12&ID=26 |date=9 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coptic.net/articles/OnHomosexuality.txt |author=M. Mikhail |title=The Coptic Orthodox Church's View on Homosexuality |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref> Other Orthodox Churches, such as those in Eastern Europe and Greece, view homosexuality less favourably. The [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]] lists homosexuality along with fornication, adultery, and more because of the thinking that homosexuality breaks up the institution of marriage and family.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-eastern-orthodox-church |title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Eastern Orthodox Church |website=The Human Rights Campaign |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref> A 2017 [[Pew Research Center]] poll found that the majority of Orthodox Christians in the Eastern European and former USSR states surveyed believe that homosexuality "should not be accepted by society"; 45% of Orthodox Christians in Greece and 31% in the United States answered the same way.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pewforum.org/2017/11/08/orthodox-take-socially-conservative-views-on-gender-issues-homosexuality/ |title=4. Orthodox take socially conservative views on gender issues, homosexuality |date=8 November 2017 |website=Pew Research Center |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref>

In July 2022, Archbishop [[Elpidophoros of America]] baptized two babies adopted by clothing designers Evanggelos Bousis and Peter Dundas, making him the first Greek Orthodox bishop to baptize children adopted by gay couples.<ref>[https://greekreporter.com/2022/07/11/first-greek-orthodox-baptism-gay-couple-greece/ First Greek Orthodox Baptism for Child of Gay Couple in Greece] // [[Greek Reporter]]</ref> According to the metropolitan in whose diocese the baptism took place (Antonios of Glyfada), Elpidophoros did not inform him in advance that the baptism in question was to be performed for a gay couple.<ref>[https://www.thenationalherald.com/metropolitan-antonios-exclusively-to-tnh-on-the-baptism-of-gay-couples-children/ Metropolitan Antonios Exclusively to TNH on the Baptism of Gay Couple’s Children  The National Herald]</ref> Metropolitan Antonios reported Elpidophoros to the Holy Synod of the [[Church of Greece]], which issued a formal protest to both Elpidophoros and the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mazonakis |first=Stella |date=2022-07-19 |title=Holy Synod Protests To Archbishop Elpidophoros Over Gay Couple Child Christening |url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/07/19/holy-archbishop-elpidophoros-gay-christening/ |access-date=2023-05-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Protestant churches===
{{Annotated image| image = 2016.11.20 Transgender Day of Remembrance, Washington, DC USA 08889 (31154894055).jpg| image-width = 800| image-left = -240| image-top = -80| width = 200| height = 250| float = right
| annotations = | caption = Christian [[pride flag]] hanging in a [[Metropolitan Community Church]]}}

====Accepting position====
{{see also|LGBT-affirming Christian denominations|Presbyterianism and homosexuality|Homosexuality and Lutheranism|Homosexuality and Quakerism}}

Certain other [[Christian denominations]] do not view monogamous same-sex relationships as sinful or immoral, and may [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|bless such unions and consider them marriages]]. These include the [[United Church of Canada]], the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], the [[United Church of Christ]],<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/05/national/05church.html NYTimes.com] "United Church of Christ Backs Same-Sex Marriage"</ref> all German Lutheran, reformed and united churches in [[Evangelical Church in Germany|EKD]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ekd.de/lebensgemeinschaft_2000.html |title=Verantwortung und Verlässlichkeit stärken (german) |publisher=Ekd.de |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810205018/https://www.ekd.de/lebensgemeinschaft_2000.html |url-status=live |archive-date=10 August 2019}}</ref> all [[Swiss Reformed Church|Swiss reformed churches]], the [[Mennonites in the Netherlands|Protestant Church in the Netherlands]], the [[United Protestant Church in Belgium]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://holebi.info/phpnews/kortnews.php?action=fullnews&id=4179|title=Verenigde Protestantse Kerk staat inzegening homohuwelijk toe. - holebi.info|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093603/http://holebi.info/phpnews/kortnews.php?action=fullnews&id=4179|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[United Protestant Church of France]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20150517-french-protestant-church-authoriese-gay-marriages|title=French Protestant church authorises gay marriages|date=17 May 2015|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724214210/http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20150517-french-protestant-church-authoriese-gay-marriages|archive-date=24 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Church of Denmark]], the [[Church of Sweden]], the [[Church of Iceland]], the [[Church of Norway]], and the [[Uniting Church in Australia]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sandeman |first=John |date=13 July 2018 |title=Uniting Church to hold same sex marriages |url=https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/uniting-church-to-hold-same-sex-marriage/ |work=Eternity |location=Australia |access-date=13 July 2018 }}</ref> The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]] also allows prayer for same-sex couples.<ref name="ELCF">{{cite web|url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/homojen-kanssa-rukoilemisesta-saatiin-paatos/1853048|title=Church of Finland allows prayer for same sex couples (In Finnish)|date=12 November 2010|publisher=Mtv3.fi|access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> The [[Metropolitan Community Church]] was founded specifically to serve the [[LGBT-affirming Christian denominations|Christian LGBTQ community]]. The [[Global Alliance of Affirming Apostolic Pentecostals]] (GAAAP) traces its roots back to 1980, making it the oldest LGBT-affirming Apostolic Pentecostal denomination in existence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.affirmingapostolic.com |title=GAAAP |publisher=Affirmingapostolic.com |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903095043/http://www.affirmingapostolic.com/ |archive-date= 3 September 2011 }}</ref> Another such organization is the [[Affirming Pentecostal Church International]], currently the largest affirming Pentecostal organization, with churches in the US, UK, Central and South America, Europe and Africa.

[[LGBT-affirming Christian denominations|LGBT-affirming denominations]] regard homosexuality as a natural occurrence. The [[United Church of Christ]] celebrates [[gay marriage]],<ref name="UCC-HRC">{{cite web | title = Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: United Church of Christ | publisher = [[Human Rights Campaign]] | url = http://www.hrc.org/issues/5055.htm | access-date = 22 January 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131109135551/http://www.hrc.org/issues/5055.htm | archive-date = 9 November 2013 | url-status = dead}}</ref> and some parts of the [[Anglican]]<ref name="UCC-Episcopal bishops">{{Citation| last = Goodstein | first = Laurie | title = Episcopal Bishops Give Ground on Gay Marriage | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 15 July 2009 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/us/16episcopal.html?scp=18&sq=%22united%20church%20of%20christ%22&st=cse | access-date = 22 January 2010}}</ref> and [[Lutheran]]<ref name="LCMS – Homosexuality" /> churches allow for the blessing of gay unions. The [[United Church of Canada]] also allows same-sex marriage, and views [[sexual orientation]] as a gift from God. Within the [[Anglicanism|Anglican Communion]], there are openly gay clergy; for example, [[Gene Robinson]] is an openly gay Bishop in the US Episcopal Church. Within the Lutheran communion, there are openly gay clergy, too; for example, bishop [[Eva Brunne]] is an openly lesbian bishop in the [[Church of Sweden]]. Such religious groups and denominations interpret scripture and doctrine in a way that leads them to accept that homosexuality is morally acceptable, and a natural occurrence. For example, in 1988 the [[United Church of Canada]], that country's largest Protestant denomination, affirmed that "a) All persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, who profess Jesus Christ and obedience to Him, are welcome to be or become full members of the Church; {{em|and}} b) All members of the Church are eligible to be considered for the Ordered Ministry."<ref>[http://www.united-church.ca/humanrights/equal/chronology#1988 Chronology of Marriage and Equality Rights in the United Church] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425181001/http://www.united-church.ca/humanrights/equal/chronology#1988 |date=25 April 2009 }}</ref> In 2000, the Church's General Assembly further affirmed that "human sexual orientations, whether heterosexual or homosexual, are a gift from God and part of the marvelous diversity of creation."<ref>"Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Offers a Win-Win Solution, Says The United Church of Canada," 2005-FEB-01, United Church of Canada, at: http://www.united-church.ca/</ref>

In addition, some Christian denominations such as the [[Moravian Church]], believe that the [[Bible]] speaks negatively of homosexual acts but, as research on the matter continues, the Moravian Church seeks to establish a policy on homosexuality and the ordination of homosexuals.<ref name="The Moravian Interprovincial Faith & Order Commission">{{cite web|url=http://www.moravianseminary.edu/FaithOrder/STHomosexuality1st.html |title=On Homosexuality and Ordination |publisher=The Moravian Interprovincial Faith & Order Commission |access-date=22 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060722092332/http://www.moravianseminary.edu/FaithOrder/STHomosexuality1st.html |archive-date=22 July 2006 }}</ref> In 2014, Moravian Church in Europe allowed [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessings of same-sex unions]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idea.de/frei-kirchen/detail/brueder-unitaet-kuenftig-sind-homo-segnungen-moeglich-28126.html|title=Brüder-Unität: Künftig sind Homo-Segnungen möglich}}</ref>

Liberal Quakers, those in membership of [[Britain Yearly Meeting]] and [[Friends General Conference]] in the US and some [[Conservative Friends|Conservative Quaker]] Yearly Meetings approve of same-sex marriage and union. Quakers were the first Christian group in the United Kingdom to advocate for equal marriage and [[Quakers in Britain]] formally recognised same-sex relationships in 1963.<ref name="Quakers in Britain">{{cite news|url = http://www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers/our-history/marriage-equality|title =Quakers and same sex marriage|work=Quakers in Britain |location=Friends House, London|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="Guardian ">{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jul/31/quakers-gay-marriage| title = Quakers said same-sex couples 'miss the public recognition of their partnership in a religious ceremony'|work=The Guardian |location=London |access-date = 22 November 2009 | first=Riazat | last=Butt | date=31 July 2009}}</ref><ref name="FUM – Homosexuality" />

The [[United Methodist Church]] elected a lesbian bishop in 2016, and on 7 May 2018, the Council of Bishops proposed the One Church Plan, which would allow individual pastors and regional church bodies to decide whether to ordain LGBTQ clergy and perform same-sex weddings.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.advocate.com/religion/2018/5/05/methodist-bishops-back-choice-lgbt-clergy-same-sex-marriage| title = Advocate: Methodist Bishops Back Choice on LGBT Clergy, Same-Sex Marriage| date = 5 May 2018}}</ref> On 26 February 2019, a special session of the General Conference rejected the One Church Plan and voted to strengthen its official opposition to same-sex marriages and ordaining openly LGBTQ clergy.<ref name=Zauzmer>{{cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/02/26/united-methodist-church-votes-maintain-its-opposition-same-sex-marriage-gay-clergy/|title = United Methodist Church votes to maintain its opposition to same-sex marriage, gay clergy|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|date = 26 February 2019|access-date = 26 February 2019|last1 = Zauzmer|first1 = Julie|last2 = Bailey|first2 = Sarah Pulliam}}</ref>
At the 2024 General Conference, 93% of delegates voted to lift existing bans on the ordination of LGBTQ+ people and the hosting of same-sex marriages. <ref>[https://www.umc.org/en/content/historic-shift-lgbtq-inclusion-united-methodist-church UMC.org: A historic shift in inclusion for the United Methodist Church], May 2024</ref>

====Various positions====

===== Anglican =====
{{Main|Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion}}
Since 1998, the [[Anglicanism|Anglican Church]] has reassured people with same sex attraction they are loved by God and are welcomed as full members of the [[Body of Christ]]. The Church leadership has a variety of views in regard to homosexual expression and ordination. Some expressions of sexuality are considered sinful including "promiscuity, prostitution, incest, pornography, paedophilia, predatory sexual behaviour, and sadomasochism (all of which may be heterosexual and homosexual)". The Church is concerned with pressures on young people to engage sexually and encourages abstinence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Section I.10 – Human Sexuality|url=https://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/document-library/lambeth-conference/1998/section-i-called-to-full-humanity/section-i10-human-sexuality|access-date=4 January 2020|website=anglicancommunion.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Orthodox bishops reveal text of resolution reaffirming 'Lambeth 1.10' as the Anglican Communion teaching on marriage and sexuality|url=https://anglican.ink/2022/08/02/orthodox-bishops-reveal-text-of-resolution-reaffirming-lambeth-1-10-as-the-anglican-communion-teaching-on-marriage-and-sexuality/ |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=anglican.ink|date=2 August 2022 }}</ref>

At the 13th [[Lambeth Conference]] in 1998, homosexuality was the most hotly debated issue. It was finally decided, by a vote of 526–70, to pass a resolution (1.10) calling for a "listening process" but stating (in an amendment passed by a vote of 389–190)<ref>{{cite web |title=Lambeth Conference 1998 Archives |url=http://www.lambethconference.org/1998/news/lc098.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728181157/http://www.lambethconference.org/1998/news/lc098.cfm |archive-date=28 July 2012 |access-date=27 November 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> that "homosexual practice" (not necessarily orientation) is "incompatible with Scripture".<ref>{{cite web |title=Lambeth Conference 1998: Resolution 1.10 Human Sexuality |url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/appendix/p3.6.cfm |access-date=3 July 2008}}</ref> Reflecting on resolution 1.10 in the lead up to Lambeth 2022, [[Angela Tilby]] recalled the intervention of Bishop [[Michael Bourke]], who successfully proposed an amendment which said: "We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Tilby |first=Angela |date=22 July 2022 |title=Angela Tilby: Lambeth '98's gift to Living in Love and Faith |work=[[Church Times]] |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/22-july/comment/columnists/angela-tilby-lambeth-98-s-gift-to-llf |access-date=23 July 2022}}</ref> Tilby considered that while the amendment had appeared inconsequential at the time, it had indeed been significant: she said that the idea of "patient listening" underpinned the Church of England's process "Living in Love and Faith".<ref name=":0" />

===== Lutheran =====
{{Main|Homosexuality and Lutheranism}}
Churches within [[Lutheranism]] hold stances on the issue ranging from labeling homosexual acts as sinful, to acceptance of homosexual relationships. For example, the [[Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus]], the Lutheran denomination in [[Ethiopia]], and second largest non-united Lutheran denomination in the world, has taken a stand that marriage is inherently between a man and a woman, and has formally broken fellowship with the ELCA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eecmy.org/?home=po&page=!news&newscategory=/&article=62|title=Home|publisher=Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus|access-date=5 August 2021|archive-date=9 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509012528/http://www.eecmy.org/?home=po&page=%21news&newscategory=%2F&article=62|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.eecmy.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060706083349/http://www.eecmy.org/ |archive-date=2006-07-06 |access-date=2006-07-01 |publisher=EECMY Ethiopia}}</ref> The [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]], the [[Lutheran Church of Australia]], and the [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] recognize homosexual behavior as intrinsically sinful and seek to minister to those who are struggling with homosexual inclinations.<ref name="LCMS – Homosexuality">{{cite web|url = http://lcms.org/Documents.fdoc?src=lcm&id=1100| title = What about Homosexuality?|publisher = [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]]|access-date = 26 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="WELS – Homosexuality">{{cite web |url= http://www.wels.net/what-we-believe/questions-answers/social-issues/acceptance-homosexuals |work= WELS Topical Q&A |title= Acceptance of homosexuals |publisher= [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] |date=27 October 2009 |access-date = 27 May 2014}}</ref> However, the [[Church of Sweden]], the [[Church of Denmark]], the [[Church of Norway]], or Lutheran churches of the [[Evangelical Church in Germany]] conducts [[same-sex marriage]]s, while the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada]] opens the ministry of the church to gay pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships.<ref name="ELCA – Sodomy">{{cite web |url= http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4253 |title= ELCA Assembly Opens Ministry to Partnered Gay and Lesbian Lutherans |publisher= [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] |access-date= 22 November 2009}}</ref>

====Rejecting position====
{{see also|Homosexuality and Methodism}}
[[File:Time Magazine cover April 13, 2015.webp|thumb|right|A 2015 cover of [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] highlighting the [[LGBTQ rights opposition|conflict]] between some Christian denominations' views and [[LGBTQ rights]]]]

Some [[mainline (Protestant)|mainline Protestant]] denominations, such as the African [[Methodism|Methodist churches]],<ref name="UMC – Sexuality">{{cite web|url=http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1728 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701151202/http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1728 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 July 2012 |title=Human Sexuality |publisher=The United Methodist Church |access-date=16 May 2008 }}</ref><ref name="HRC – Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: African Methodist Episcopal Church">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrc.org/issues/4957.htm|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: African Methodist Episcopal Church|publisher=The Human Rights Campaign|access-date=25 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121220941/http://www.hrc.org/issues/4957.htm|archive-date=21 November 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="FMC – Christian Conduct">{{cite web|url=http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Beliefs/Christian%20Life/Christian%20Conduct/Christian%20Conduct%203.htm |title=The Christian Life – Christian Conduct |publisher=Free Methodist Church |access-date=16 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513181703/http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Beliefs/Christian%20Life/Christian%20Conduct/Christian%20Conduct%203.htm |archive-date=13 May 2008 }}</ref><ref name="UMC – British Methodists reject blessing of same-sex relationships">{{cite web|url=http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1827285/k.B985/British_Methodists_reject_blessing_of_samesex_relationships.htm|title=British Methodists reject blessing of same-sex relationships|publisher=The United Methodist Church|access-date=16 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914134747/http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1827285/k.B985/British_Methodists_reject_blessing_of_samesex_relationships.htm|archive-date=14 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Reformed Church in America]],<ref name="RCA – Homosexuality">{{cite web|url=http://www.rca.org/Page.aspx?pid=501|title=Summaries of General Synod Discussions and Actions on Homosexuality and the Rights of Homosexuals|publisher=Reformed Church in America|access-date=21 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716233212/https://www.rca.org/Page.aspx?pid=501|archive-date=16 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[Presbyterian Church in America]],<ref name="PCA – Homosexuality">{{cite web|url=http://www.alliancenet.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID23682_CHID125044_CIID1620134,00.html |title=PCA Statements on Homosexuality |publisher=[[Presbyterian Church in America]] |access-date=16 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613093815/http://alliancenet.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0%2C%2CPTID23682_CHID125044_CIID1620134%2C00.html |archive-date=13 June 2010 }}</ref> [[Christian Reformed Church in North America]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/june/christian-reformed-church-crc-lgbt-stance-calvin.html | title=Christian Reformed Church Brings LGBT Stance into Faith Statement | date=15 June 2022 }}</ref> also oppose LGBTQ relationships.

Some [[Conservative Friends|Conservative Quakers]], those within [[Friends United Meeting]] and the [[Evangelical Friends International]] believe that sexual relations are condoned only in marriage, which they define to be between a man and a woman.<ref name="FUM – Homosexuality">{{cite web|url=http://www.neym.org/FUMworkweb/history.pdf |title=History of FUM policy regarding the appointment of homosexuals |publisher=[[Friends United Meeting]] |access-date=22 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008224923/http://neym.org/FUMworkweb/history.pdf |archive-date= 8 October 2010 }}</ref>

[[Confessional Lutheran]] churches teach that it is sinful to have homosexual desires, even if they do not lead to homosexual activity.<ref name="WELSQA-871">{{cite web |url=https://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?process&procID=1518&cuQA_qaID=1&cuTopic_topicID=28&cuItem_itemID=871 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090928041714/https://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?process&procID=1518&cuQA_qaID=1&cuTopic_topicID=28&cuItem_itemID=871 |archive-date=28 September 2009 |work=WELS Topical Q&A |title= Human Behavior – Sexual Behavior |publisher=[[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] |access-date=24 July 2016 }}</ref> The Doctrinal statement issued by the [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] states that making a distinction between homosexual orientation and the act of homosexuality is confusing:

{{Blockquote|We cannot limit the sin of homosexuality to deeds but not desires, any more than we can limit heterosexual sin to deeds but not desires. Scripture clearly includes desires and inclinations toward sinful actions in the category of sin ({{abbr|Mt|Matthew}} 5:27–28). This is true of both homosexual and heterosexual sin.<ref name=welsstatement>{{cite web|url=http://wlsessays.net/files/BrugIsHomosexualityASin.pdf |title=Doctrinal Brief: Is Homosexuality a Sin? |last=Brug |first=John F. |publisher=[[Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary]] |page=288 |access-date=4 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522213615/http://wlsessays.net/files/BrugIsHomosexualityASin.pdf |archive-date=22 May 2014 }}</ref>}}

However, confessional Lutherans also warn against [[Hypocrisy|selective morality]] which harshly condemns homosexuality while treating other sins more lightly.<ref name=welsstatement/>

===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>

===Restorationist churches===
{{see also|Homosexuality and Seventh-day Adventism|Homosexuality and the LDS Church}}

[[Restorationist]] churches, such as [[Seventh-Day Adventist]]s, generally teach that homosexuals are 'broken' and can be 'fixed'. [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that "The Bible condemns sexual activity that is not between a husband and wife, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:18){{nbsp}}[...] While the Bible disapproves of homosexual acts, it does not condone hatred of homosexuals or homophobia. Instead, Christians are directed to "respect everyone."—1 Peter 2:17, ''Good News Translation''."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-about-homosexuality/ | title=What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? &#124; Bible Questions|website=jw.org|access-date=4 January 2023}}</ref> [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] said in 2015 that it officially welcomes its gay and lesbian members, if they choose sexual abstinence.<ref>Frank J. Smith, ''Religion and Politics in America: An Encyclopedia of Church and State in American Life [2 volumes]'', ABC-CLIO, USA, 2016, p. 160</ref> The [[Community of Christ]], a branch of Mormonism, fully accepts LGBTQ persons, performs weddings for gay and lesbian couples, and ordains LGBTQ members. Within the Stone-Campbell aligned restorationist churches the views are divergent. The [[churches of Christ]] (A Capella) and the [[Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ]] mostly adhere to a conservative position on LGBTQ members and will not perform weddings for gay and lesbian couples. The [[Disciples of Christ]], is fully accepting of LGBTQ persons, often performs weddings for gay and lesbian couples, and ordains LGBTQ members. The [[United Church of Christ]] is an officially "open and affirming" church. Other Restorationist churches such as [[Millerism|Millerite]] churches, have taken mixed positions but are increasingly accepting with some of their congregations fully accepting LGBTQ persons in all aspects of religious and political life. The [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] maintains that homosexual sex itself is forbidden in the Bible.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adventist.org/information/official-statements/statements/article/go/0/homosexuality/|title=Official Statements – Homosexuality |date=17 October 2012 |access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref>

==Views supportive of homosexuality==
[[File:Jonathan Lovingly Taketh His Leave of David by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld.jpg|thumbnail|''Friendship between Jonathan and David'' by [[Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld]] (1860)]]

In the 20th century, theologians like [[Jürgen Moltmann]], [[Hans Küng]], [[John A. T. Robinson|John Robinson]], [[David Edward Jenkins|Bishop David Jenkins]], [[Don Cupitt]], and [[John Shelby Spong|Bishop Jack Spong]] challenged traditional theological positions and understandings of the Bible; following these developments some have suggested that passages have been mistranslated or that they do not refer to what is in the modern day understood as "homosexuality."{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} Clay Witt, a minister in the [[Metropolitan Community Church]], explains how theologians and commentators like [[John Shelby Spong]], George Edwards and Michael England interpret injunctions against certain sexual acts as being originally intended as a means of distinguishing religious worship between Abrahamic and the surrounding [[Paganism|pagan]] faiths, within which homosexual acts featured as part of idolatrous religious practices: "England argues that these prohibitions should be seen as being directed against sexual practices of fertility cult worship. As with the earlier reference from Strong's, he notes that the word 'abomination' used here is directly related to idolatry and idolatrous practices throughout the Hebrew Testament. Edwards makes a similar suggestion, observing that 'the context of the two prohibitions in Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13 suggest that what is opposed is not same-sex activity outside the cult, as in the modern secular sense, but within the cult identified as Canaanite'".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hrmcc.org/Resources/StudyDocuments/bibleand.htm |title=Homosexuality and the Bible, Rev. Clay Witt, Holy Redeemer M.C.C., 1995 |publisher=Hrmcc.org |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802131304/http://www.hrmcc.org/Resources/StudyDocuments/bibleand.htm |archive-date= 2 August 2012 }}</ref>

In 1986, the [[Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus]] (EEWC), then known as the Evangelical Women's Caucus International, passed a resolution stating: "Whereas homosexual people are children of God, and because of the biblical mandate of Jesus Christ that we are all created equal in God's sight, and in recognition of the presence of the lesbian minority in EWCI, EWCI takes a firm stand in favor of civil rights protection for homosexual persons."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EoJrHDirVQUC&pg=PA471|title=Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America: Women and religion: methods of study and reflection|first1=Rosemary Skinner|last1=Keller|first2=Rosemary Radford|last2=Ruether|first3=Marie|last3=Cantlon|date=1 January 2006|publisher=Indiana University Press|via=Google Books|isbn=9780253346865}}</ref>

Some Christians believe that Biblical passages have been mistranslated or that these passages do not refer to LGBTQ orientation as currently understood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sisterfriends-together.org/the-bible-and-homosexuality/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228050848/http://www.sisterfriends-together.org/the-bible-and-homosexuality/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=28 February 2008 |title=The Bible and Homosexuality |access-date=4 July 2008 |work=SisterFriends Together |publisher=Grace Unfolding Ministries }}</ref> Liberal Christian scholars, like conservative Christian scholars, accept earlier versions of the texts that make up the Bible in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] or [[Greek language|Greek]]. However, within these early texts there are many terms that modern scholars have interpreted differently from previous generations of scholars.<ref name = SLAVERY/><ref name = WOMEN/><ref name = ROGERS/> There are concerns with copying errors, forgery, and biases among the translators of later Bibles.<ref name = SLAVERY/><ref name = WOMEN/><ref name = ROGERS/> They consider some verses such as those they say support [[slavery]]<ref name = SLAVERY>{{cite web|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/sla_bibl.htm |title=What the Bible says about slavery |publisher=Religioustolerance.org |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> or the inferior treatment of women<ref name = WOMEN>[http://www.religioustolerance.org/ofe_bibl.htm ReligiousTolerance.org].</ref> as not being valid today, and against the will of God present in the context of the Bible. They cite these issues when arguing for a change in theological views on sexual relationships to what they say is an earlier view. They differentiate among various sexual practices, treating rape, prostitution, or temple sex rituals as immoral and those within committed relationships as positive regardless of [[sexual orientation]]. They view certain verses, which they believe refer only to homosexual rape, as not relevant to consensual homosexual relationships.<ref name = ROGERS>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ksWrErBqRVUC&q=homosexual+rape+sodom+and+gomorrah&pg=PA70 |title=Jesus, the Bible, and homosexuality; by Jack Rogers |access-date=12 November 2011|isbn=9780664229399 |last1=Rogers |first1=Jack Bartlett |date=2006-01-01 |publisher=Westminster John Knox Press }}</ref>

Yale professor [[John Boswell]] has argued that a number of [[Early Christians]] entered into homosexual relationships,<ref name=BOS>{{Cite book | last= Boswell | first= John | title= The Marriage of Likeness. Same-Sex Unions in Pre-Modern Europe | publisher= Fontana | year= 1996}}</ref> and that certain Biblical figures had homosexual relationships, such as [[Book of Ruth|Ruth]] and her mother-in-law [[Naomi (Bible)|Naomi]], [[Book of Daniel|Daniel]] and the court official Ashpenaz, and [[David and Jonathan|David]] and King [[Saul]]'s son [[David and Jonathan|Jonathan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bmar.htm |title=ReligiousTolerance.org |publisher=ReligiousTolerance.org |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> Boswell has also argued that [[adelphopoiesis]], a rite bonding two men, was akin to a religiously sanctioned same-sex union. Having partaken in such a rite, a person was prohibited from entering into marriage or taking monastic vows, and the choreography of the service itself closely parallelled that of the marriage rite.<ref name=BOS/><ref>Robin Darling Young, "[http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9411/articles/darling.html Gay Marriage: Reimagining Church History]", [[First Things]] 47 (November 1994), pp. 43–48.</ref><ref name="Halsall">Paul Halsall, ''[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/bosrevdisc-kennedy1.html Reviewing Boswell] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406072950/http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/bosrevdisc-kennedy1.html |date=6 April 2012 }}'' (1995).</ref> His views have not found wide acceptance, and opponents have argued that this rite sanctified a [[Platonic love|platonic]] brotherly bond, not a homosexual union.<ref name="Halsall"/> He also argued that condemnation of homosexuality began only in the 12th century.<ref name="Boswell2">John Boswell, ''[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/1979boswell.html The Church and the Homosexual – An Historical Perspective] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123114041/http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/1979boswell.html |date=23 November 2014 }}'' (1979).</ref> Boswell's critics<ref>Gagnon R.A.J., ''The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics''. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2001.</ref> point out that many earlier doctrinal sources condemn homosexuality as a sin even if they do not prescribe a specific punishment, and that Boswell's arguments are based on sources which reflected a general trend towards harsher penalties, rather than a change in doctrine, from the 12th century onwards.

[[Desmond Tutu]], the former [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa|Anglican]] Archbishop of Cape Town and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, described homophobia as a "[[crimes against humanity|crime against humanity]]" and "every bit as unjust" as apartheid:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afrol.com/articles/13584 |title=Desmond Tutu: "Homophobia equals apartheid" |publisher=Afrol.com |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> "We struggled against apartheid in South Africa, supported by people the world over, because black people were being blamed and made to suffer for something we could do nothing about; our very skins. It is the same with sexual orientation. It is a given.{{nbsp}}[...] We treat them [gays and lesbians] as pariahs and push them outside our communities. We make them doubt that they too are children of God – and this must be nearly the ultimate blasphemy. We blame them for what they are."<ref>Sex, Love & Homophobia, published by Amnesty International UK, 2005, foreword by Desmund Tutu.</ref>

Modern gay Christian leader [[Justin R. Cannon]] promotes what he calls "Inclusive Orthodoxy" ('[[orthodoxy]]' in this sense is not to be confused with the Eastern Orthodox Church). He explains on his ministry website: "Inclusive Orthodoxy is the belief that the Church can and must be inclusive of LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing the Gospel and the Apostolic teachings of the Christian faith."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.truthsetsfree.net/about.htm |title=INCLUSIVE ORTHODOXY: Gay Christian Ministry – Bible and Homosexuality? |publisher=Truthsetsfree.net |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> Cannon's ministry takes a unique and distinct approach from modern liberal Christians while still supporting homosexual relations. His ministry affirms the divine inspiration of the Bible, the authority of Tradition, and says "...that there is a place within the full life and ministry of the Christian Church for lesbian, gay, [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]] Christians, both those who are called to lifelong celibacy and those who are partnered."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.truthsetsfree.net/index.html |title=Inclusive Orthodoxy ~ The Rev. Justin R. Cannon |publisher=Truthsetsfree.net |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref>

Today, many religious people are becoming more affirming of same-sex relationships, even in denominations with official stances against homosexuality. In the United States, people in denominations who are against same-sex relationships are liberalizing quickly, though not as quickly as those in more affirming groups.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Schnabel|first=Landon|date=2016-01-01|title=Gender and homosexuality attitudes across religious groups from the 1970s to 2014: Similarity, distinction, and adaptation|journal=Social Science Research|volume=55|pages=31–47|doi=10.1016/j.ssresearch.2015.09.012|pmid=26680286|url=http://osf.io/3p6wt/}}</ref> This social change is creating tension within many denominations, and even schisms and mass walk-outs among Mormons and other conservative groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/14/us/mormon-mass-resignation/index.html|title=Mormons leaving church to protest same-sex policy|author1=Susanna Capelouto |author2=Ralph Ellis|date=14 November 2015|publisher=CNN}}</ref>

[[Pope Francis]] voiced support for same-sex civil unions during an interview in a documentary film, ''[[Francesco (2020 film)|Francesco]]'', which was premiered at the [[Rome Film Festival]] on 21 October 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/21/pope-francis-backs-same-sex-civil-unions|title=Pope Francis backs same-sex civil unions|access-date=21 October 2020|website=The Guardian|date=21 October 2020}}</ref>

===Homosexual Christians and organizations===
{{Further|LGBT-affirming Christian denominations}}
{{See also|LGBT-affirming religious groups}}
[[File:TroyPerry2006-09-17.JPG|thumb|right|Rev. [[Troy Perry]] preaching in 2006 at a [[Metropolitan Community Church]]]]

Studies in the US show more LGBTQ individuals identify as Protestant than Catholic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prri.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PRRI_Mar_2020_LGBT-Figure_2.png |title=LGBT Identification by Religious Affiliation |date=March 2020 |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/FT_15.05.22_RLSsexualOrientation_640px.png |title=Religious Composition by Self-Reported Sexual Identity |website=Pew Research Center |date=2014 |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/06/SDT-2013-06-LGBT-6-02.png |title=Religious Affiliation |website=Pew Research Center |date=2013 |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref> [[George Barna]], a conservative Christian author and researcher, conducted a survey in the United States in 2009 that found gay and lesbian people having a Christian affiliation were more numerous than had been presumed. He characterized some of his leading conclusions from the data as follows:<ref name="Chellew-Hodge 2009" /> "People who portray gay adults as [[Godlessness|godless]], [[hedonistic]], Christian bashers are not working with the facts. A substantial majority of gays cite their [[faith]] as a central facet of their life, consider themselves to be Christian, and claim to have some type of meaningful personal commitment to [[Jesus Christ]] active in their life today." Barna also found that LGBTQ people were more likely to interpret faith as an individual rather than a collective experience.<ref name=BARNAGAY>{{cite web|url=http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/13-culture/282-spiritual-profile-of-homosexual-adults-provides-surprising-insights |title=Spiritual Profile of Homosexual Adults Provides Surprising Insights |publisher=Barna.org |date=22 June 2009 |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106041153/http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/13-culture/282-spiritual-profile-of-homosexual-adults-provides-surprising-insights |archive-date= 6 November 2011 }}</ref>

Candace Chellew-Hodge, liberal Christian lesbian founder of the online magazine ''Whosoever'', responded to the findings: "All in all, I'm grateful for Barna even wandering into the subject of gay and lesbian [[Religion|religious belief]]. I think his study is important and can go a long way to dispelling the old "gays vs. God" [[dichotomy]] that too often gets played out in the media. However, his overall message is still harmful: Gays and lesbians are Christians – they're just not as good as straight ones."<ref name="Chellew-Hodge 2009">{{cite web |date=26 June 2009 |title=New Poll Shows Gays and Lesbians Believe in God, Candace Chellew-Hodge, ReligionDispatches, 25 June 2009 (accessed 2009-06-27) |url=http://www.religiondispatches.org/blog/sexandgender/1590/new_poll_shows_gays_and_lesbians_believe_in_god |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629045208/http://www.religiondispatches.org/blog/sexandgender/1590/new_poll_shows_gays_and_lesbians_believe_in_god |archive-date=29 June 2009 |access-date=12 November 2011 |publisher=Religiondispatches.org}}</ref> She argued that Barna had formulated his report with undue irony and skepticism, and that he had failed to take into account the reasons for the data which enkindled his "arrière pensée." The reason why far fewer homosexuals attend church, she argued, is that there are far fewer churches who will accept them. Equally, gays and lesbians do not see the Bible as unequivocally true because they are forced by its use against them to read it more closely and with less credulity, leading them to note its myriad [[Internal consistency of the Bible|contradictions]].<ref name="Chellew-Hodge 2009"/>

Organizations for homosexual Christians exist across a wide range of beliefs and traditions. The interdenominational [[Q Christian Fellowship]] (formerly Gay Christian Network) has some members who affirm same-sex relationships and others who commit themselves to celibacy, groups it refers to as "Side A" and "Side B", respectively.<ref>[http://www.gaychristian.net/index.php? GCN Homepage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610174736/http://www.gaychristian.net/index.php |date=10 June 2010 }} (website). Gay Christian Network. Retrieved 2008-03-05.</ref><ref>{{cite news| title = The Believers| first = Tim| last = Murphy| newspaper = The Advocate| date = 17 June 2008| pages = 52–58}}</ref> According to founder [[Justin Lee (activist)|Justin Lee]]:

{{blockquote|We're just trying to get people together who experience attraction to the same sex, however they have handled that, and who love Jesus and say, OK, you are welcome here, and then let's pray together and figure out where God wants us to take it.<ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0612/18/acd.02.html Transcript] of 18 December 2006 episode of ''Anderson Cooper 360''</ref>}}

Some organizations cater exclusively to homosexual Christians who do not want to have gay sex, or attraction; the goals of these organizations vary. Some Christian groups focus on simply refraining from gay sex, such as [[Courage International]] and [[North Star (organization)|North Star]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://northstarlds.org |title=North Star web site |publisher=Northstarlds.org |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Same-Sex Attraction|url=http://samesexattraction.org/ |website=samesexattraction.org |date=19 December 2024 |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref> Other groups additionally encourage gay members to reduce or eliminate [[same-sex attraction]]s. [[Love Won Out]] and the now-defunct [[Exodus International]] are examples of such ministries. These groups are sometimes referred to as [[ex-gay]] organizations, though many no longer use the term. [[Alan Chambers (Exodus International)|Alan Chambers]], the president of Exodus, says the term incorrectly implies a complete change in sexual orientation,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-18-na-exgay18-story.html |title=Approaching agreement in debate over homosexuality |website=Los Angeles Times|date=18 June 2007 |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> though the group [[Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays]] continues to use the term. In addition, individual Christians identifying as gay who want to subscribe to the conservative ethic are becoming more vocal themselves.<ref>{{cite web |last=Belgau |first=Ron |title=Spiritual Friendship in 300 Words|url=http://spiritualfriendship.org/2012/08/29/spiritual-friendship-in-300-words/ |website=spiritualfriendship.org |date=29 August 2012 |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref>

Gay Christian writer and actor [[Peterson Toscano]] argues that organizations promoting orientation change are a "ruse".<ref>{{cite news|title=Turning off gays |first=Mark |last=Benjamin |newspaper=Salon |date=18 July 2005 |url=http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2005/07/18/ungay/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525055244/http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2005/07/18/ungay/index.html |archive-date=25 May 2009 }}</ref> An organization he co-founded, Beyond Ex-Gay, supports people who feel they have been wounded by such organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beyondexgay.com/ |title=Beyond Ex-Gay Group for survivors of Ex-Gay ministries |publisher=Beyondexgay.com |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref>

[[LGBT-affirming Christian denominations|Other groups]] support or advocate for gay Christians and their relationships. For example, in the United States, [[IntegrityUSA]] represents the interests of lesbian and gay Christians in the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.integrityusa.org/ |title=Integrity (US Episcopal) |publisher=Integrityusa.org |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> while [[United Methodist Church|United Methodists]] have the [[Reconciling Ministries Network]] and [[evangelicalism|evangelical]] Christians have ''Evangelicals Concerned''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecwr.org/index.php |title=Evangelicals Concerned: Gay Christians |publisher=Ecwr.org |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930014647/http://www.ecwr.org/index.php |archive-date=30 September 2011 }}</ref> [[GracePointe Church]] became one of the first evangelical [[megachurch]]es in the US to support full equality for LGBTQ people in 2015.<ref name=Time>{{cite magazine |last1=Dias |first1=Elizabeth |title=Nashville Evangelical Church Comes Out for Marriage Equality |url=https://time.com/3687368/gracepointe-church-nashville-marriage-equality/ |access-date=15 February 2015 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=29 January 2015 |archive-date=14 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214143615/http://time.com/3687368/gracepointe-church-nashville-marriage-equality/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Heidi |title=As one evangelical church 'comes out' for LGBT rights, others cast a wary eye |url=https://religionnews.com/2015/03/03/one-evangelical-church-comes-lgbt-rights-others-cast-wary-eye/ |website=Religion News Service |access-date=8 February 2023 |date=3 March 2015 |archive-date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208152423/https://religionnews.com/2015/03/03/one-evangelical-church-comes-lgbt-rights-others-cast-wary-eye/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014 the [[United Church of Christ]] filed a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's ban on same-sex marriage, which is America's first faith-based challenge to same-sex marriage bans; the [[Alliance of Baptists]] joined the lawsuit later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article9127277.html|title=Rabbis group joins N.C. same-sex marriage suit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2014/06/06/rabbis-join-marriage-equality-fight|title=Rabbis Join Marriage Equality Fight|date=6 June 2014}}</ref>

In Europe, working within the worldwide Anglican Communion on a range of discrimination issues, including those of LGBTQ clergy and people in the church, is ''Inclusive Church''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inclusive-church.org.uk/ |title=Inclusive Church (Anglican) |publisher=Inclusive Church |access-date=27 November 2012}}</ref> The longest standing groups for lesbian and gay Christians in the UK, were Quest (for LGBTQ Catholics) and Metropolitan Community Church (UK) both founded in 1973; followed in 1976 by the non-denominational [[Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lgcm.org.uk/ |title=Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (UK) |publisher=Lgcm.org.uk |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> specifically aimed to meet the needs of lesbian and gay evangelicals, there is the ''Evangelical Fellowship for Lesbian and Gay Christians'';<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eflgc.org.uk/ |title=Evangelical Fellowship for Lesbian and Gay Christians (UK) |publisher=Eflgc.org.uk |date=7 November 2010 |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref> specifically working within the Church of England is ''Changing Attitude'',<ref>[http://www.changingattitude.org.uk/home/home.asp Changing Attitude (UK)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428103050/http://www.changingattitude.org.uk/home/home.asp |date=28 April 2009 }}</ref> which also takes an international focus in working for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender affirmation within the Anglican Communion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.changingattitude.org/home/home.asp |title=(International) |publisher=Changing Attitude |date=21 September 2010 |access-date=12 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927073959/http://www.changingattitude.org/home/home.asp |archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref>

Sociologist Richard N. Pitt argues that these organizations are only available to LGBTQ members of liberal denominations, as opposed to those in conservative denominations. His review of the literature on gay Christians suggests that these organizations not only represent the interests of Christians who attend their churches, but (like gay-friendly and gay-affirming churches) also give these members useful responses to homophobic and heterosexist rhetoric. His research shows that those LGBTQ Christians who stay at homophobic churches "kill the messenger"<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123306098/HTMLSTART |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216152744/http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123306098/HTMLSTART |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2012 |title=Killing The Messenger|doi=10.1111/j.1468-5906.2009.01492.x |date=1 March 2010 |access-date=12 November 2011 |volume=49 |journal=Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion |pages=56–72|last1=Pitt|first1=Richard N.}}</ref> by attacking the minister's knowledge about homosexuality, personal morality, focus on sin instead of forgiveness, and motivations for preaching against homosexuality.

== Movement of pro-celibacy gay Christians ==
There is a movement of people who call themselves "gay Christians", but choose to practice [[celibacy]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Michelle|last=Boorstein|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/gay-christians-choosing-celibacy-emerge-from-the-shadows/2014/12/13/51c73aea-6ab2-11e4-9fb4-a622dae742a2_story.html|title=Gay Christians choosing celibacy emerge from the shadows|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=13 December 2014|access-date=4 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Molly|last=Worthen|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/opinion/sunday/who-are-the-gay-evangelicals.html|title=Who Are the Gay Evangelicals?|date=27 February 2016|access-date=4 January 2023}}</ref> The movement is often positioned against both liberals and conservatives. Recognizing themselves as gay or bisexual, these people believe that their attraction to same-sex people, while present, does not allow them to have homosexual relationships. They often say that their Christian conversion did not instantly change their sexual desires. They insist that the church should always reject homosexual practices, but that it should welcome gay people.

== Ex-gay movement ==
Various Christian organizations have been involved in the [[ex-gay movement]].<ref name="Abbie E. Goldberg 2016, p. 384">Abbie E. Goldberg, ''The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2016, p. 384</ref> Love in Action, founded in 1973, was the first in the US.<ref name="Abbie E. Goldberg 2016, p. 384"/> In 1976, its members founded [[Exodus International]], a Christian organization (more specifically [[Protestantism|Protestant]] and [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]]) in the [[United States]] and in various countries of the world.<ref>Jeffrey S. Siker, ''Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia'', Greenwood Publishing Group, USA, 2007, p. 122</ref> The [[Catholic]] organization [[Courage International]] was founded in 1980.<ref>Paul A. Djupe, Laura R. Olson, ''Encyclopedia of American Religion and Politics'', Infobase Publishing, USA, 2014, p. 207</ref>

[[Conversion therapy|Conversion therapies]] for people wishing to change sexual orientation have been associated with the movement.<ref>Abbie E. Goldberg, ''The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies'', SAGE Publications, USA, 2016, p. 385</ref> Conversion therapy has been widely criticized and denounced by many major medical associations as pseudoscientific and harmful.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Policy and Position Statements on Conversion Therapy |url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/policy-and-position-statements-on-conversion-therapy |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=Human Rights Campaign |language=en-US |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105230151/https://www.hrc.org/resources/policy-and-position-statements-on-conversion-therapy |url-status=dead }}</ref> Studies have found that LGBTQ individuals who experienced conversion therapy reported significantly higher rates of [[Major depressive disorder|depression]], [[suicide attempt]]s, and [[substance abuse]] than their peers who did not.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Forsythe |first1=Anna |last2=Pick |first2=Casey |last3=Tremblay |first3=Gabriel |last4=Malaviya |first4=Shreena |last5=Green |first5=Amy |last6=Sandman |first6=Karen |date=2022-05-01 |title=Humanistic and Economic Burden of Conversion Therapy Among LGBTQ Youths in the United States |journal=JAMA Pediatrics |volume=176 |issue=5 |pages=493–501 |doi=10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0042 |pmid=35254391 |pmc=8902682 |issn=2168-6203|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Christensen |first=Jen |date=2022-03-08 |title=Conversion therapy is harmful to LGBTQ people and costs society as a whole, study says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/07/health/conversion-therapy-personal-and-financial-harm/index.html |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=thisisloyal.com |first=Loyal {{!}} |title=LGB people who have undergone conversion therapy almost twice as likely to attempt suicide |url=https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/lgb-suicide-ct-press-release/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=Williams Institute |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Criticism ==
In 2005, [[Baptist]] Pastor [[Al Sharpton]] criticized [[megachurch]]es for focusing on "bedroom morals", statements against [[same-sex marriage]] and [[Christianity and abortion|abortion]], by ignoring issues of [[social justice]], such as the immorality of war and the erosion of [[affirmative action]].<ref>Associated Press, [https://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/Megachurches-have-wrong-focus-black-leaders-say-1894628.php Megachurches have wrong focus, black leaders say], chron.com, 2 July 2006.</ref>

In 2015, American theologian [[L. Gregory Jones]] has criticized some Christian churches for their lack of effort to interest young people in the Christian faith in a relevant way, while putting a lot of energy into talking negatively about homosexuality, which is even more boring for young people who want to work with the whole world.<ref>{{cite news | first=Daniel | last=Burke | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/12/living/pew-religion-study/ | title=Millennials leaving church in droves, study finds | publisher=CNN | location=USA | date=14 May 2015}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Christianity|LGBTQ}}
* [[List of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality]]
* [[List of Christian denominations affirming LGBTQ people]]
* [[Ex-gay movement]]
* [[Side A, Side B, Side X, Side Y (theological views)]]
* [[Christianity and sexual orientation]]
* [[Homosexuality and religion]]
* [[Ellen Barrett]] – first openly lesbian priest (Episcopal) <!-- alphabetized by surname -->
* [[Corpus Christi (play)|''Corpus Christi'' (play)]]
* [[Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus]]
* [[Gay bishops]]
* [[History of Christianity and homosexuality]]
* [[Homosexuality and Judaism]]
* [[LGBTQ people and Islam]]
* [[Queer theology]]
* [[The Bible and homosexuality]]
* [[Homosexuality and religion]]
* [[Homosexuality and Seventh-day Adventism]]
* [[Societal attitudes toward homosexuality]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Bates, Stephen (2004). ''A Church at War: Anglicans and Homosexuality''. I.B. Tauris. {{ISBN|1-85043-480-8}}.
* [[John Boswell|Boswell, John]] (1980). ''Christianity, social tolerance, and homosexuality: Gay people in Western Europe from the beginning of the Christian era to the fourteenth century''. University of Chicago Press. {{ISBN|0-226-06710-6}}
* [[John Boswell|Boswell, John]] (1979). ''[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/1979boswell.html The Church & the Homosexual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123114041/http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/pwh/1979boswell.html |date=23 November 2014 }}''
* Brug, John F. (2009), [https://web.archive.org/web/20140522213615/http://wlsessays.net/files/BrugIsHomosexualityASin.pdf ''Doctrinal Brief: Is Homosexuality a Sin?''], Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Library
* Crompton, Louis, et al., (2003). ''Homosexuality and Civilization'' Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|0-674-01197-X}}
*{{cite journal | last1 = Etengoff | first1 = C. | last2 = Daiute | first2 = C. | year = 2014 | title = Family Members' Uses of Religion in Post–Coming-Out Conflicts With Their Gay Relative | journal = Psychology of Religion and Spirituality | volume = 6 | issue = 1| pages = 33–43 | doi = 10.1037/a0035198 }}
*Etengoff, C. & Daiute, C., (2014/5). Clinicians' perspectives of religious families' and gay men's negotiation of sexual orientation disclosure and prejudice, ''Journal of Homosexuality'' 62(4). 
*Etengoff, C. & Daiute, C. 2014/15). Online Coming Out Communications between Gay Men and their Religious Family Allies: A Family of Choice and Origin Perspective, ''Journal of GLBT Family Studies''.
* Gagnon, Robert A.J. (2002). ''The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics''. Abingdon Press. {{ISBN|0-687-02279-7}}
* Harvey, John F., O.S.F.S. (1996). ''The Truth about Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful, introduction by Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.''. Ignatius Press. {{ISBN|0-89870-583-5}}.
* Hays, Katie; Chiasson, Susan A. (2021). ''Family of Origin, Family of Choice: Stories of Queer Christians''. Michigan: Eerdmans Publishing. {{ISBN|978-0-8028-7857-1}}
* [[Daniel A. Helminiak|Helminiak, Daniel A.]] (2000). "Frequently Asked Questions About Being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender and Catholic" Dignity USA.
* [[Hildegard of Bingen]] (c. 1142). "Scivias," Columba Hart and Jane Bishop, translators; New York: Paulist Press, 1990
* [http://christ.queer2050.com/ Homosexuality and Christianity]
* [[Warren Johansson|Johansson, Warren]] (1992). "Whosoever Shall Say To His Brother, Racha." ''Studies in Homosexuality, Vol XII: Homosexuality and Religion and Philosophy.'' Ed. [[Wayne Dynes]] & Stephen Donaldson. New York & London: Garland, pp.&nbsp;212–214
* Mader, Donald (1992). "The ''Entimos Pais'' of Matthew 8:5–13 and Luke 7:1–10" ''Studies in Homosexuality, Vol XII: Homosexuality and Religion and Philosophy.'' Ed. Wayne Dynes & Stephen Donaldson. New York & London: Garland, pp.&nbsp;223–235.
* {{cite book |last=Petro |first=Anthony M. |year=2015 |title=After the Wrath of God: AIDS, Sexuality, and American Religion |chapter=Emerging Moralities: American Christians, Sexuality, and AIDS |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SPoJCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA18 |location=[[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199391288.003.0002 |pages=18–52 |isbn=9780199391288 |lccn=2014036658 |oclc=1129602241}}
*{{cite journal | last1 = Rodriguez | first1 = E.M. | year = 2010 | title = At the intersection of Church and Gay: A review of the psychological research on Gay and Lesbian Christians | journal = Journal of Homosexuality | volume = 57 | issue = 1| pages = 5–38 | doi=10.1080/00918360903445806| pmid = 20069492 | s2cid = 26155676 }}
*{{cite journal | last1 = Rodriguez | first1 = E. M. | last2 = Ouellette | first2 = S. C. | year = 2000 | title = Gay and lesbian Christians: Homosexual and religious identity integration in the members and participants of a gay-positive church | journal = Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion | volume = 39 | issue = 3| pages = 333–347 | doi=10.1111/0021-8294.00028}}
* [[William Saletan|Saletan, William]] (29 November 2005). [http://www.slate.com/id/2131019/nav/tap1/ "Gland Inquisitor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201051221/http://www.slate.com/id/2131019/nav/tap1/ |date=1 December 2005 }}. ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]''.
* Smith, Morton (1992). "Clement of Alexandria and Secret Mark: The Score at the End of the First Decade." ''Studies in Homosexuality, Vol XII: Homosexuality and Religion and Philosophy.'' Ed. Wayne Dynes & Stephen Donaldson. New York & London: Garland, pp.&nbsp;295–307

==External links==
{{Commons category|Homosexuality and Christianity}}

* [https://www.gaychurch.org/find_a_church/ gaychurch.org] — International database of LGBTQ+ friendly churches.
{{Wikiquote}}

{{Christianity footer|collapsed}}
{{Religion and LGBT topics}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Christianity And Homosexuality}}
[[Category:Christian ethics]]
[[Category:LGBTQ and Christianity| ]]