Sexual Orientation

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Amazing Grace: Stories of Lesbian and Gay Faith

Malcolm Boyd and Nancy L. Wilson, eds. (Crossing Press, 1991)

Discover lesbian and gay spiritual pilgrimages, childhood experiences, mature relationships, sexual awakening, grappling with faith, encounters with social justice, and confrontations with AIDS.

Girls Will Be Boys Will Be Girls

J.T. Bunnell (Soft Skull Press, 2004)

For children, a colouring book to challenge the reader to interrogate patriarchal dichotomies of gender and sexual orientation.

Same-Sex Marriage: A Christian Ethical Analysis

Marvin M. Ellison (Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2004)

Ellison offers a forum to explore same-sex marriage from a theological and ethical perspective.

Congregations Talking about Homosexuality

Beth Ann Gaede, ed.(The Alban Institute, 1998)

This book offers a deliberate process and provides case studies for reflection and guidance as a congregation seeks to engage in this conversation.

Jesus Acted Up: A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto

Robert Goss (HarperCollins Canada, 1994)

The author calls for "a queer critical reading" to uncover what he believes is the Bible's true message: social justice and love of the marginal, including those in same-sex relationships.

What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

Daniel A. Helminiak (Alamo Square Press, 2000)

Helminiak has studied recent scholarship and shares the insights around the issue of homosexuality and the Bible.

Our Whole Lives curriculum

(United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist Association)

A series of sexuality education programs for six age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9,  grades 10-12, Young Adults, and Adults. See more information on the United Church of Christ* website.

Online

Articles

What the Bible Says—And Doesn't Say—About Homosexuality*

by Mel White

By the co-founder of Soulforce, a biblical response to the question people often ask: "How can you consider yourself a Christian when you are also gay?"

Homosexuality and the Bible*

by Walter Wink

The debate over homosexuality is a remarkable opportunity, because it raises in an especially acute way how we interpret the Bible, not in this case only, but in numerous others as well. The real issue here, then, is not simply homosexuality, but how scripture informs our lives today.

Out in Scripture*

This Human Rights Campaign resource places comments about the Bible alongside the real-life experiences and concerns of LGBTQ people of faith and allies. With the help of skilled scholars, you will discover a fresh approach to scripture.

Organizations

Colage*

A national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parents.

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry*

(Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA)

The center serves three distinct but overlapping constituencies: academic religious scholars; faith communities; and LGBTQ people and organizations. For each of these groups, CLGS provides programming and support for research, resources, education for leadership, and community-building/advocacy.

Egale Canada* (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere)

A national organization that advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada.

Family Pride Canada*

An online resource centre for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents and their families.

LGBT Aging Issues Network*

A constituent group of the American Society on Aging that raises awareness of the unique concerns of LGBTQ elders.

LGBTQ Support Groups in Canadian Faith Communities:

• Anglican Church of Canada: Integrity Canada*
• Brethren/Mennonite: (see Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church*)
• Lutherans: Lutherans Concerned/North America*
• Mormons: Affirmation*
• Roman Catholics: Dignity Canada Dignité*
• Seventh-day Adventists: SDA Kinship International*
• Unitarians: Welcoming Congregations*
• The United Church of Canada: Affirm United/S'Affirmer Ensemble*

Institute for Welcoming Resources*

An ecumenical group created to provide resources to facilitate a paradigm shift in multiple denominations whereby churches become welcoming and affirming of all congregants regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Queer and Christian without Contradiction*

Launched in 2006 by the Student Christian Movement of Canada, this campaign works to build a culture of respect for LGBTQ rights and safer spaces for queer people to engage, and to create safer spaces for people and communities to engage in dialogue, exploration and liberation.

Soulforce*

The purpose of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance. Soulforce applies the creative direct action principles taught by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. to peacefully resist injustice and demand full equality for LGBT citizens and same-gender families.

Audiovisual

For The Bible Tells Me So*

The documentary reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture. The experiences of five Christian American families show how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg, Soulforce's Rev. Dr. Mel White, and Rev. Jimmy Creech, For The Bible Tells Me So offers healing, clarity, and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.