Support for faith leaders
God loves all His children equally and unconditionally
A commitment to leading with love and understanding
Faith leaders are vital in making churches inclusive and supportive spaces for everyone, including LGBTQIA+ individuals—whether lifelong members or new to the faith.
Leading with love, compassion, and understanding creates a welcoming place where all can belong.
When you embody these values, you uplift LGBTQIA+ lives and show that faith can foster unity and acceptance. Your commitment to challenging harmful norms and advocating for change has a lasting impact.
Together, we can build spaces that reflect God's love for all.
Why LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Matters
The theological basis for LGBTQIA+ inclusion is rooted in the fundamental principles of equality and dignity that form the basis of many faith traditions. When viewed through lenses of love and justice, Scriptural interpretations encourage inclusivity that affirms every person's inherent worth.
Teachings about love and compassion—like those found in the core messages of Jesus and other religious figures—emphasize the importance of embracing all people without discrimination.
Advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion can certainly present challenges, including resistance from those who may hold more conservative views or interpret scriptures differently.
Faith leaders may encounter pushback from within their congregations, religious institutions, and communities where longstanding beliefs and practices can make change a difficult task.
Navigating these challenges requires courage, patience, a commitment to dialogue, and an unwavering dedication to the core values of love and respect. Addressing these obstacles with compassion and clarity can help pave the way for a more inclusive and understanding community.
This work is necessary and, like most things worth doing, it is not easy; SDA Kinship is here so that you don’t have to do this alone.
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth
Being gay or transgender is unnatural
Fact
There are many examples of homosexuality and gender nonconformity in other parts of God’s creation; everywhere from clownfish to penguins, from lions to sheep, the diversity of creation is something to be celebrated, not silenced.
Myth
Being LGBTQIA+ is a choice
Fact
While geneticists have not yet found a gene that makes someone LGBTQIA+, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that attempts to “choose” a different path are detrimental to the person mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Myth
Being LGBTQIA+ can be “corrected” with prayer
Fact
When we say this, we call into question the faith of every person who has tried and failed to change someone’s identity through prayer. At the same time, we assert that this is a “mistake” that needs to be “corrected.” We believe in a God who does not make mistakes, so this cannot be true.
Myth
Supporting your LGBTQIA+ siblings in the church goes against the Bible.
Fact
Jesus tells us that the greatest commandments are these: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.”
When we embrace our LGBTQIA+ siblings, we are loving God’s children and loving our neighbors, fulfilling those two greatest commandments.
Leading with Love
When it comes to creating a welcoming climate for the queer members of our communities. It doesn't take a title, a mandate, or position of responsibility to make a difference.
While it's easy to greet friends and acquaintances, it's important to make everyone feel welcome. A smile, a handshake, a hug (when appropriate) goes a long way in making people feel welcome.
They may not hold office; they may be members whose connection with the church goes back years, even decades. Share your conviction that the church should welcome people regardless of age, race, education, sexual orientation, etc. Spend some time brainstorming about how to make that happen.
When you feel the time is right, communicate with your church leaders (officers, board members, etc.) whether to make a public statement in the bulletin or the church's website about the congregation's intention to welcome everyone regardless of sexual orientation. DO NOT BE ADVERSARIAL. If you sense pushback, let it go. Return to the topic when the time is more appropriate.
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Preach grace-filled sermons. Every sermon should end on a redemptive note. Jesus' ministry was one of inclusion. People should leave the service encouraged to face the challenges of the coming week, not discouraged about whether or not they are "worthy."
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Use inclusive language in sermons and publications. Experiment with gender-neutral titles for God, for example, "Lord God," "our heavenly Parent," "our God of many names," etc.
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Beware of crusaders who bring tales of misconduct or misbehavior. Remember, the church is a sanctuary, similar to the "cities of refuge" in the Old Testament. The church should be a "judgment-free" zone.
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Make sure the queer members of the congregation are welcomed and affirmed. Always greet them warmly and enthusiastically. Don't betray their confidence if they're not "out." Give them opportunities to use their talents in the life of the congregation.
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Go no faster than your congregation is comfortable. Be Christlike, not confrontational. There may be a time for confrontation, but that time is not now.
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Whatever the case, we’re here to support you in supporting them.
Tools & Resources for Inclusive Ministry
Changing your language and saying that you’re inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community is an important starting point, but it needs to be backed by real change in the way you conduct yourself as a spiritual leader. That change starts with continuing education.
Explore resources like The Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) for articles and papers on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in religious settings
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God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships by Matthew Vines
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The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage: A Minister's Position by Mark Achtemeier
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The Bible & LGBTQ Adventists: a Theological Conversation about Same-Sex Marriage, Gender, and Identity by Alicia Johnston
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UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin
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Queer Insights: Contributions to a More Balanced Discussion on Sexual Orientations and Relationships by Werner E. Lange, Dennis Meier, and Reinder Bruinsma
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Join the SDA Kinship community for a combination of online and in-person fellowship and support in your journey.
Enroll in pastoral care training programs offered by organizations such as PFLAG and The Trevor Project to better understand the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
Utilize counseling resources and guides available through the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and Lambda Legal, which offer strategies for providing empathetic and effective pastoral care.
