Controversial Points About Christians and the LGBT+ Community
Church doctrine on LGBT+ issues varies widely among different Christian denominations and traditions. Here’s a general overview of how some major Christian denominations approach these issues as of my last training cut-off in September 2021. Please note that this is a very broad overview, and individual congregations within these denominations may have different practices or beliefs. Also, these positions may have changed since my last training:
- Roman Catholic Church: The Catholic Church teaches that all people should be treated with dignity and love, including people who identify as LGBT+. However, it holds that while being gay is not sinful, homosexual acts are contrary to natural law and thus are considered sinful. The Church also does not support transgender identities, arguing that gender is inseparable from biological sex.
- Eastern Orthodox Churches: Similar to the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches generally teach that same-sex sexual activity is sinful, while emphasizing the need to respect and love individuals who identify as LGBT+.
- Anglican Communion: The Anglican Communion is diverse and does not have a single stance on LGBT+ issues. Some branches, like the Church of England, hold more conservative views, while others, like the Episcopal Church in the United States, are more affirming, blessing same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBT+ clergy.
- Lutheran Churches: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) allows for the ordination of LGBT+ clergy and blessing of same-sex marriages. Some more conservative Lutheran bodies, like the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), hold more traditional views on sexuality.
- Methodist Churches: As of 2021, the United Methodist Church officially prohibits same-sex marriages and the ordination of openly LGBT+ clergy, but these positions are highly contentious, with some individual churches and regions openly defying them. There are ongoing discussions about a possible schism or restructuring within the denomination over this issue.
- Presbyterian Churches: The Presbyterian Church (USA) allows for the ordination of LGBT+ clergy and performs same-sex marriages. More conservative Presbyterian bodies hold traditional views on sexuality.
- Baptist Churches: Many Baptist churches, particularly Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) churches, hold conservative views on LGBT+ issues, believing that homosexuality is sinful and opposing same-sex marriage. However, some Baptist churches, like those in the Alliance of Baptists, are affirming of LGBT+ people.
- Pentecostal Churches: Pentecostal churches often hold conservative views on sexuality, with many teaching that homosexuality is sinful.
- Non-Denominational Churches: Non-denominational churches vary widely, with some holding conservative views on LGBT+ issues and others being fully affirming.
- Quaker Meetings: Many Quaker meetings are affirming and perform same-sex marriages.
- United Church of Christ (UCC): The UCC has long been affirming of LGBT+ individuals, performing same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBT+ clergy.
Please check with current and official sources to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.