Too often, LGBTQIA+ Christians can feel as if they are on our own when living into their full selves as queer and Christian people. Below are some books, organizations, movies & encouraging Biblical passages that you may find informative, supportive, and helpful on your journey as you navigate your faith and identity or as you support a loved one exploring their faith, sexuality and/or gender identity.
Books
Jesus, The Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church
by Jack Rogers
A clear and accessible account of how the author changed his understanding the LGBTQ persons through a deep engagement with scripture, reformed theology, and relationships with LGBTQ people of faith.
Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian’s Pilgrimage in Search of God in America by Jeff Chu
Chu is a gay journalist who traveled the country listening to people and their stories of faith and struggle with church, families and a divided culture.
God vs. Gay?: The Religious Case for Equality by Jay Michaelson
The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality—the myth of “God versus Gay”—is behind some of the most divisive and painful conflicts of our day. In this provocative and game-changing book, scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows that the Bible does not prohibit same-sex intimacy but does quite the opposite.
God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
An exploration of biblical teachings relating both to sexual diversity and same-sex marriage by a fairly conservative and orthodox Christian gay man.
An evangelical pastor who works on environmental issues recounts how God has led him to rethink his understanding of the Bible in relation to LGBTQ persons and other issues.
The Sin of Certainty: Why God desires our Trust More Than our “Correct” Beliefs by Peter Enns
Enns, a Professor of Biblical Studies, argues that holding “correct” belief as the center of belief can distract from trusting in God. Not focused on LGBTQ issues, the book is a valuable reflection on how certainty can drive people to denigrate what they don’t understand.
Bible, Gender, and Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by James V. Brownson
A Professor of New Testament looks afresh at scripture and finds new ways for people to discuss homosexuality and same-sex relationships.
Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology by Patrick S. Cheng
An introduction to Queer Theology, including an historical review of its development from the 1950’s to today.
The Bible and the Transgender Experience: How Scripture Supports Gender Variance by Linda Tatro Herzer
An exploration of what Jesus and the Bible really say about gender and gender variance, by a pastor who has served congregations with trans persons.
My Name is Brett: Truths from a Trans Christian by Brett Ray
A story of a transgender Christian finding his name, strength and voice amid a tumultuous public conversation that attempts to force a choice between queerness and Christianity.
Organizations
Believe Out Loud
Believe Out Loud is an online community that empowers Christians to work for justice for LGBTQIA people. They also have a “Welcoming Church Map” where you can search your city to see if there are any LGBTQ-affirming churches.
Church Clarity
Church Clarity is a crowd-sourced database of local congregations that we score based on how clearly they communicate their actively enforced policies regarding women’s leadership and LGBTQ identity & leadership. It is a great resource for those looking to learn more about their church’s policies.
Covenant Network of Presbyterians
A large group of Presbyterian Church USA people advocating for inclusion.
Dignity USA, GLBT Catholics
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities — especially LGBTQ persons — in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.
Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement
Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement is a national organization that addresses, organizes, educates, and advocates for the issues most important to the LGBTQ and Latino communities.
Many Voices: A Black Church Movement for Gay and Transgender Justice
As a Black church movement for gay and transgender justice, Many Voices envisions a community that embraces the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.
The Marin Foundation
The Marin Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit that works to build bridges between the LGBTQ community and conservatives through scientific research, biblical and social education, and diverse community gatherings.
http://www.themarinfoundation.org/resources/recommended-reading/
More Light Presbyterians
The Presbyterian Church USA related organization advocating for inclusion. All sorts of resource on their website.
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.
Movies
An LGBTQ-affirming film examining and explaining the Biblical passages that are often used against the LGBTQ community.
An LGBTQ- affirming film following the stories of a number of LGBTQ Christians and their families.
Out of Order: Queer Pastors Redefining Church
This documentary reveals the complex and painful struggles faced by LGBTQ faith leaders as they confront entrenched bigotry and work to build loving support within their churches
Still Black: A Portrait of Black Trans Men
This documentary explores the lives of six black transgender men living in the United States. Through the intimate discussions of their lives as artists, students, husbands, fathers, lawyers, and teachers, the film challenges traditional notions of black masculinity, sexuality, and identity.
This Is What Love in Action Looks Like
The story of a boy’s community who stands up when he is sent to Ex-Gay therapy
Voices of Witness: Out of the Box
Trans people of faith share their stories of hope, healing, and wholeness in the Episcopal Church
Encouraging Biblical Passages
Matthew 5: 2-12 — The Beatitudes, we are truly blessed
Mark 1: 29-31 — The greatest commandment is love
John 15: 9-17 — We are Jesus friends, whom He loves
John 16: 12-15 — The Spirit and God are still speaking
Acts 8:36-40 — The story of the Ethiopian Eunuch who was the first Gentile to be baptized and welcomed into the faith. Many understand the Ethiopian’s identity as a eunuch to be a queer identity.
Acts 15 — The Council at Jerusalem – A reminder that the LGBTQ community is not the only community that church leaders have debated over whether or not they should be included, and that in ancient times and today leaders have discerned the Holy Spirit to be calling them towards inclusion and deep welcome for all.
Romans 8:38-39 — Nothing can separate us from the love of God
Romans 13: 8-10 — The commandments can be summed up in “Love your neighbor”
Galatians 3: 26 – 29 — We are all children of God
Ephesians 2:10 -22 — We are God’s handiwork, built together and created in Christ to do good works,
Ephesians 3:14-19 — We are rooted and established in love, filled with the fullness of God
Colossians 1:14 — We are redeemed and forgiven
1 John 4: 7-12 — God is love; perfect love drives out fear; No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
Ruth 1 — The story of Ruth & Naomi and the value of becoming family, even when it is not the choice society at large might understand.
1 Samuel 18: 1-4; 1 Samuel 20; and 2 Samuel 1 — The stories of the love, covenant, and bond between David and Jonathan
Psalm 139 — God searches us, knows us, and created our inmost being
If you would like to recommend additional resources please email presbyterianpromise@gmail.com
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