List of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality
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| Homosexuality and Christianity |
| Anglican views of homosexuality |
| Eastern Orthodox view of sin |
| Quaker views of homosexuality |
| Full list |
This is a list of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality. The issue of Homosexuality and Christianity is a subject of on-going theological debate within and between Christian denominations and this list seeks to summarise the official positions of them. It should be noted that within these denominations many members may hold somewhat differing views on and even differing definitions of homosexuality. The list is in alphabetical order and includes denominations self-identified as Christian, which may not be so recognised by the other denominations.
[edit] Summary table
The following table illustrates the status of non-celibate gays and lesbians in the denominations discussed in this article. See also: Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches.
| Denomination | Allows as members | Ordains | Blesses unions | Marries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventist | Yes | No | No | No |
| Anglican | Yes | Varies | Varies | No |
| Baptist | Varies | No | No | No |
| Christian Reformed | Yes | Varies [citation needed] | Varies | No |
| Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ("Mormons") | No | No | No | No |
| Eastern Orthodox | Yes | No | No | No |
| Jehovah's Witnesses | No | No | No | No |
| Lutheran | Yes | Many LWF=Yes, ELCA, some other LWF. & Others (ILC, CELC, etc) =No | LWF=Varies, ELCA, Others (ILC, CELC, etc) =No | No |
| Methodist | Yes | Europe=Yes; US=Varies | Varies | No |
| Metropolitan Community Church | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Moravian | Yes | Moratorium on debate | Moratorium on debate | Moratorium on debate |
| Pentecostal | Varies | No | No | No |
| Presbyterian | Yes | Most=No | PCUSA and Church of Scotland=Yes, URC and Canada=No | No |
| Quaker | Yes | No ordained clergy | Varies by meeting | Varies by meeting |
| Roman Catholic | Yes | Varies | No | No |
| Old Catholic | Yes | Yes | Yes (Europe) in Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland | No |
| Swedenborgian | Yes | New Church=No; Swedenborgian Church=Yes | New Church=No; Swedenborgian Church=Minister's discretion | New Church=No; Swedenborgian Church=Minister's discretion |
| Unification Church | Yes | No | No | No |
| Unitarian Universalist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| United Church of Canada | Yes | Yes, congregation may decline to call | Not applicable | Minister's discretion |
| United Church of Christ | Yes [citation needed] | Generally Yes, but Varies by Association | Varies by Local Church | Varies by Local Church |
| Uniting Church of Australia | Yes | Yes, Presbytery's discretion | ? | No |
[edit] Adventism
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is opposed to same-gender sexual practices and relationships on the grounds that "sexual intimacy belongs only within the marital relationship of a man and a woman." It believes the Bible consistently affirms the pattern of heteromonogamy, and all sexual relations outside the scope of spousal intimacy are contrary to God's original plan.[1]
[edit] Anglicanism
- For more details on this topic, see Anglican views of homosexuality.
The Anglican Communion has been divided over the issue of homosexuality. Generally the provinces of North America, Central America, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand and southern Africa, hold the view that there are no grounds to condemn homosexuality as sinful in the Bible. Other provinces in the majority of Africa where a substantial portion of Anglicans reside, as well as the West Indies hold the view that homosexuality is a sin and believe there are Biblical grounds for its condemnation and have threatened schism if their counterparts continue their theology on the subject. The Church of England, the mother church of the Communion, currently maintains (according to the statement Issues in Human Sexuality) that same-sex partnerships are acceptable for laypersons but gay clergy are expected to be abstinent. The Lambeth Conference of 1998 called homosexuality "incompatible with Scripture" but this remains a purely advisory guideline as there are no communion-wide legislative bodies in the Anglican Church.
The Continuing Church Movement of Anglicanism almost universally calls homosexuality sinful.
[edit] Baptists
The Southern Baptist Convention, the entity that represents the autonomous Southern Baptist Churches, and is the largest Protestant group in the U.S., considers same-gender sexual behavior to be sinful, in recognition of the Bible's authority. Relations outside lawful marriage are also considered deviant. The general consensus is that gay and lesbian people can choose chastity and may eventually recover their heterosexual preference. Southern Baptist Convention forbids gay congregants, and Southern Baptist clergy generally do not accept or participate in same-sex unions. To this date this denomination has never appointed a minister whom they knew to be homosexual. (See their position statement).
Independent Baptist Churches are usually conservative and therefore opposed to both homosexual orientation and behavior. They almost always espouse a "love the sinner hate the sin" viewpoint.
More extreme churches such as the Westboro Baptist Church are very rare.
However, there are a number of Baptist churches, particularly in the American Baptist Churches in the USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, that have more inclusive views. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, a small group of some 50 churches and organizations, is committed to the "full inclusion" of gay and lesbian persons in their churches. This "full inclusion" may or may not include approbation of same-sex sexual conduct.
[edit] Christian Reformed Church in North America
The Christian Reformed Church has maintained the stance since the 1970's that homosexuality is the direct result of a sinful world much like any other sin. Homosexuality should be discouraged and the Church should show compassion for homosexuals like they would for any other sinner. Further, the Church should do everything in its power to help homosexuals see "the error of their ways" and to help repair the brokeness of sin.
However, gays and lesbians should not be denied any right granted to heterosexuals. They have the right to maintain office and be an active member in a congregation as their gifts can still be used to glorify God. The view is generally derived from the compassion Jesus showed for the sinners of his day (prostitutes and other notable sinners). As such, any homosexual who repents the sin of homosexuality is entirely forgiven. Reference
Although the First Christian Reformed Church of Toronto (also the first CRC congregation to call a woman minister) voted to allow gays and lesbians in committed partnerships as elders and deacons, this decision was later rescinded in the face of pressure from the Toronto classis [2] [3] [4].
[edit] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- For more details on this topic, see Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers homosexual behavior to be sinful just as adultery and fornication are considered to be sinful. Homosexual desire when dwelled on is also viewed as sinful. The LDS church encourages its members to not feed any such tempted desire.
[edit] Eastern orthodox churches
- For more details on this topic, see Eastern Orthodox view of sin.
The Eastern Orthodox Church holds the opinion that sexuality, as we understand it, is part of the fallen world only. In Orthodox Theology both monasticism and marriage are paths to Salvation (???????: "sotiria" in Greek, literally meaning "becoming whole"). Celibacy is the ideal path for monasticism while marriage is blessed under the context of true Love ("Man must love his wife as Jesus loved his Church": this phrase is part of the Orthodox Marriage Ritual) . This context can be interpreted as not being exclusive of homosexuality. Traditionally the church has adopted a non-legalistic view of sin (see above), however some members of the church have assumed an active role in encouraging negative social stereotypes against gay individuals and several prominent members of the clergy have made statements condemning homosexuality. The leader of the Church of Greece, archbishop Christodoulos of Athens has described being gay as a "handicap." [citation needed]
Other 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 homosexuality [5].
LGBT activism within Orthodox churches have been less widespread than in Catholicism and many Protestant denominations. However, in 1980 the group Axios was founded in Los Angeles to advocate for sexual minorities in the Orthodox church, and has since started several other chapters in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
[edit] Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses consider homogenital activity to be sinful, but recognize that some people may be prone to homosexuality, including members of their congregation. Members are required to abstain from any homosexual behaviour. While condemning homosexual behavior, they are officially taught not to hate homosexuals. Their literature has stated: "Christians do not make homosexuals, or anyone else, the target of ill will, ridicule, or harassment. True Christians view their fellow humans as potential disciples of Christ, treating them in a respectful and dignified manner." - Awake! 1997, 8. December.
[edit] Lutheranism
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the largest Lutheran church body in the United States, has a current policy which states that persons who are gay or lesbian in their self-understanding are allowed to be ordained, but must maintain a lifestyle of celibacy. However, it is currently evaluating this policy, with the next debate scheduled for 2009. During the national meeting in 2005 delegates voted against a measure that would have allowed non-celibate gay ordination and the blessing of same-sex unions by 503 against to 490 in favor.
Outside of ordination, policy states that LGBT individuals are welcome and encouraged to become members and participate in the life of the congregation. The ELCA does not have a policy against same-sex unions, nor does it have a rite for blessing those unions, but leaves the question up to pastoral care. ELCA congregations that specifically embrace GLBT persons are called Reconciling in Christ congregations. The group Lutherans Concerned supports the inclusion of LGBT members in Lutheran churches in the ELCA and ELCIC. All other Lutheran churches in the United States oppose ordination and marriage of homosexuals.
In 2006, Lionel Ketola became the first person in a same-sex marriage to be appointed vicar (intern) of an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada congregation. This occurred at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Newmarket, Ontario. Later that year, the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC voted to allow a "local option" for blessing same-sex unions. The national church, which had previously rejected such a proposal, proceeded to assert that it alone had the authority to make such a decision. The National Church Council agreed in a September ruling, but promised to bring forward another motion authorising the local option for approval at the 2007 National Convention.
Most Lutheran state churches in Germany, Lutheranism's country of origin, are also liberal, viewing homosexuality as moral and allow gay and lesbian clergy. But the Lutheran churches in Germany are also divided on the issue of blessing same-sex unions. In general, very few churches in the more rural parishes(Baden, Saxonia, Hesse-Waldeck) are in favor of blessing same-sex unions while the urban churches do allow them (Hanover, Rhineland, Westfalia, Brunswick, Oldenburg, Berlin-Brandenburg, Bremen, Northelbia...). Nevertheless, all the state churches agree that gay and lesbian individuals are welcome as members, and that any kind of persecution is unacceptable. A little group within the Evangelical Church in Germany called the Evangelischer Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband is predominately made up of individuals who believe that homosexuality is a sin.
The Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Scandinavia, also members of the Lutheran World Federation, are also liberal in their position on homosexuality and view homosexuality as moral. In Sweden (Church of Sweden) the Lutheran church allowed 2006 blessings of same-sex unions and permit gay clergy. A notable bishop is the KG Hammar, former Archbishop of Uppsala and primate of the Church of Sweden, has been very vocal in supporting gay and lesbian Lutherans. The Church of Norway is divided, with 6 of 11 bishops accepting homosexual practice as moral, even though the church officially rejects it.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is divided on issue, but many of its most well known bishops have expressed their acceptance for homosexuality. Also some theologians related to church have supported gay-marriages.
The smaller and more conservative denominations of the International Lutheran Council and Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference do not sanction same-sex partnerships among the clergy or laity.
[edit] Methodism
The Methodist Church of Great Britain views homosexuality as moral, ordains non-celibate gay clergy[citation needed] but in 2006 rejected a motion to allow the blessing of same-sex unions [6].
The United Methodist Church in the USA maintains that, "Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth...", (Book of Discipline 2004, "Social Principles") and encourages United Methodists to be in ministry with and for all people.
The Church officially considers, however, "the practice of homosexuality (to be) incompatible with Christian teaching", states that "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" cannot be ordained as ministers, and supports, "...laws in civil society that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman." (Book of Discipline - 2004, "Social Principles") . Some local congregations, especially members of the Reconciling Ministries Network, have defied the church leadership on this issue and have fought the policy in church courts.
In 1987, a Methodist church court in New Hampshire defrocked Methodist minister Rose Mary Denman for being openly gay. In 2005, clergy credentials were removed from Elizabeth Stroud after she was convicted in a church trial of violating Church law by engaging in a lesbian relationship; this conviction was later upheld by the Church Judicial Council, the highest court in the denomination. The Judicial Council also affirmed that a Virginia pastor had the right to deny local church membership to an openly gay man, though the UM Council of Bishops disagreed with the ruling.
[edit] Metropolitan Community Church
The Metropolitan Community Church is an international fellowship of Christian congregations. It is considered by many to be a full mainline denomination or communion. There are currently 300 members congregations in 22 countries, and the Fellowship has a specific outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Acceptance of homosexuality is an important part of its theology.
The Metropolitan Community Church was instrumental in the first legal challenges to the heterosexual legal definition of marriage in Ontario (see Same-sex marriage in Ontario). Two couples used an old legal procedure called reading the banns to marry without a licence. When same-sex marriage was legalized in Ontario, their marriages were recognized.
[edit] Moravian Church
The Moravian Church declared in 1974 that gays and lesbians were full members of the Christian community. In 2002, the Northern Provinical Synod placed a moratorium for the time being on further decisions about homosexuality. Currently, the questions of marriage and ordination are unresolved.
[edit] Pentecostalism
Most of the Pentecostal Movement views homosexuality as a sin. These churches oppose same-sex unions, gay pastors, and they tend to forbid congregants who persist in homosexual practices, and support politicans with the same viewpoints. Most Pentecostal churches insist that homosexuals must be "delivered" from their sin, and live a heterosexual lifestyle as prescribed by the Bible.
[edit] Presbyterianism
The Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest U.S. Presbyterian body, is sharply divided over the issue of homosexuality. Although gay and lesbian persons are welcome to become members of the church, denominational policy prohibits non-celibate same-sex relations (as well as non-celibate heterosexual relations outside of marriage) for those serving as ministers or as elders on key church boards. After rancorous debate, that policy was upheld in a vote of presbyteries in 2002. The denomination's constitution defines marriage as "a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship" (W-4.9[7]). The denomination is currently awaiting the release of a study on the "peace, unity, and purity" of the church before taking up the issue again. The Church does bless same-sex unions, but does not permit same-sex marriages, and does not explicitly support the consummation of these unions.
Other much smaller American Presbyterian bodies, such as the Presbyterian Church in America [8], the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church[9], and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church[10] condemn same-sex sexual behavior as incompatible with Biblical morality, but believe gays and lesbians can repent and abandon the "lifestyle".
In New Zealand the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has debated homosexuality for many years. In 1985 its General Assembly declared "Homosexual acts are sinful." The most recent decision of the Assembly in 2004 declared "this church may not accept ...anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage between a man and a woman," but added the lemma, "In relation to homosexuality... this ruling shall not prejudice anyone, who as at the date of this meeting, has been accepted for training, licensed ordained of inducted."
Many Presbyterians in New Zealand are active in the Association for Reconciling Christians and Congregations, an ecumenical group that supports the full inclusion and participation of all people in the Church, including gay and lesbian persons.
In America, More Light Presbyterians, a coalition of gay-inclusive congregations, was founded in 1980. Today the organization has 113 member churches, while many more informally endorse its mission to more fully welcome people of all sexualities into the life of the church.
[edit] Quakerism
- For more details on this topic, see Quaker views of homosexuality.
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is deeply divided on this issue. The more conservative Friends United Meeting and Friends Evangelical Church considers homosexuality sinful; but other Friends, such as those in the Friends General Conference, strongly support equal rights for gay and lesbian persons.
[edit] Roman Catholic Church
[edit] General
The Catholic Church considers Human sexual behavior that it sees as properly expressed to be sacred, almost sacramental in nature. Anal intercourse and homogenital acts are considered sinful because sexual acts, by their nature, are meant to be both unitive and procreative (mirroring God's inner Trinitarian life). The Church also understands the complementarity of the sexes to be part of God's plan. Same-gender sexual acts are incompatible with this framework:
"[H]omosexual acts are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 2357).
These teachings are, of course, not limited to the issue of homosexuality, but is also the general background for the Catholic prohibitions against, for example, fornication, contraception, pornography, anal sex and masturbation.
To be sure, the Church has clearly stated that homosexual desires or attractions themselves are not necessarily sinful. They are said to be "disordered" in the sense that they tempt one to do something that is sinful (i.e., the homosexual act), but temptations beyond one's control are not considered sinful in and of themselves. For this reason, while the Church does oppose attempts to legitimize same-gender sexual acts, it also officially urges respect and love for those who do experience same-sex attractions, thus the Catholic Church is also opposed to persecutions and violence against the LGBT community:
"The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition." (ibid., para. 2358)
For those who do experience same-sex attractions, the Catholic Church offers the following counsel:
"Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection" (ibid., para. 2359).
It should be noted that the Church considers the call to chastity to be universal to all persons according to their state in life. However, only heterosexual Catholics have the option of expressing their chastity through married love.
[edit] Homosexuality and priesthood
The Roman Catholic Church forbids the ordination of men who have "deeply rooted homosexual tendencies", as it is expressed in a 2005 document, called 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. Men with "transitory" same-sex feelings could be eligible for ordination after three years of having moved on from this stage of their life. Comments from various bishops suggest that interpretations of the subject of this ban vary from diocese to diocese.
[edit] Old Catholic Church
The Old Catholic Churches in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands view homosexuality as moral, permit gay and lesbian priests, and bless gay couples.
[edit] Swedenborgianism
The largest Swedenborgian denomination in North America, the General Church of the New Jerusalem does not ordain gay and lesbian ministers, but the oldest denomination, the Swedenborgian Church of North America, does. Ministers in Swedenborgian Church of North America are not allowed to determine whether or not they will marry same-sex couples. Ministers of the General Church of the New Jerusalem are not permitted to marry or bless any same-sex couples.
[edit] Unification Church
- For more details on this topic, see Unification Church views of sexuality.
The Unification Church views heterosexual marriage as God's ideal for everyone and views any sexual contact outside this, including homosexuality, as sinful.
[edit] United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada, the largest Protestant denomination in Canada, affirms that gay and lesbian persons are welcome in the church and the ministry. The resolution "A) That all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, who profess Jesus Christ and obedience to Him, are welcome to be or become full member of the Church. B) All members of the Church are eligible to be considered for the Ordered Ministry." was passed in 1988. This was not done, however, without intense debate over what was termed "the issue"; some congregations chose to leave the church rather than support the resolution.
The church campaigned starting in 1977 to have the federal government add sexual orientation to federal non-discrimination laws, which was accomplished in 1996. [11] The church has also engaged in activism in favour of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada.
[edit] United Church of Christ
The polity of the United Church of Christ (UCC) (considered to be in the tradition of Congregationalists) is such that the views of one setting of the church cannot be unwillingly 'forced' on the Local Church, whether between congregations or between the upper levels of the church and individual congregations. Thus, views on many controversial matters can and do vary among congregations. David Roozen, director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research who has studied the United Church of Christ, said surveys show the national church's pronouncements are often more liberal than the views in the pews but that its governing structure is set up to allow such disagreements. [12]
The United Church of Christ General Synod in 1985 passed a resolution entitled "Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming" [13] saying that "the Fifteenth General Synod of the United Church of Christ encourages a policy of non-discrimination in employment, volunteer service and membership policies with regard to sexual orientation; encourages associations, Conferences and all related organizations to adopt a similar policy; and encourages the congregations of the United Church of Christ to adopt a non-discrimination policy and a Covenant of Openness and Affirmation of persons of lesbian, gay and bisexual orientation within the community of faith". General Synod XIV in 2003 officially added transgender persons to this declaration of full inclusion in the life and leadership of the Church.
In July 2005, the 25th General Synod [14] encouraged congregations to affirm "equal marriage rights for all", and to consider "wedding policies that do not discriminate based on the gender of the couple." The resolution also encouraged congregations to support legislation permitting civil same-sex marriage rights. By the nature of United Church of Christ polity, General Synod resolutions officially speak "to, but not for" the other settings of the denomination (local congregations, associations, conferences, and the national offices). This Synod also expressed respect for those bodies within the church that disagree and called for all members "to engage in serious, respectful, and prayerful discussion of the covenantal relationship of marriage and equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender."
Many associations permit ordination of non-celibate gay clergy and many clergy are willing perform same-sex marriages or union services. Approximately 10% of UCC congregations have adopted an official "open and affirming" statement welcoming gay and lesbian persons in all aspects of church life. A few congregations explicitly oppose the General Synod Equal Marriage Rights resoltion an independent movement called "Faithful and Welcoming Churches(FWC)" that partly defines faithful as "Faithful... to the preservation of the family, and to the practice and proclamation of human sexuality as God's gift for marriage between a man and a woman "[15]. Many congregations have no official stance; these congregations' de facto stances vary widely in their degree of welcome toward gay and lesbian persons.
The United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns is one of the officially recognized "Historically Underrepresented Groups" in the United Church of Christ, and as such has a dedicated seat on the United Church of Christ Executive Council and a number of other boards.
[edit] Uniting Church in Australia
The Uniting Church in Australia allows for the membership and ordination of gay and lesbian people. On July 17, 2003 it clarified its 1982 position when the national Assembly meeting stated that people had interpreted the scriptures with integrity in coming to the view that a partnered gay or lesbian person in a committed same sex relationship could be ordained as a minister. It also stated that people who had come to the opposite view had also interpreted the scriptures with integrity. When Presbyteries (regional councils) select candidates for ministry they may use either of these positions, however they cannot formally adopt either position as policy, but must take each person on a case by case basis. By explicitly stating the two positions, this decision fleshes out a 1982 Assembly Standing Committee decision which did not ban people with a homosexual orientation from membership. After emotional debate, the 1997 Assembly did not reach a decision, and the 2000 Assembly decided not to discuss homosexuality.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Vocation to Chastity
- Ecumenical Group "Homosexuals and Church" (German group)
- Gaychurch.org Global directory of affirming Christian churches.
- Christadelphian position on homosexuality
