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Within almost every denomination there are a growing number of "reconciling congregations", that welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations. The summaries below are based on "traditional" church policy and often times will vary from one congregation to the next. Most denominations also have groups for gay and lesbian members, although many of these groups are not sanctioned by the church. Information and links to information about these groups and to reconciling congregations are provided when known.
In 1972 the church stated that homosexuality was incompatible with Christian teaching, but supported the civil rights of gays. In general this characterized the Methodist position in succeeding years, and was formally reaffirmed in 1992. Church policy states that gay ministers could be banned. They do not perform same-sex union ceremonies.
Within the Methodist Church there are a growing number of "Reconciling Congregations" that disagree with the official stand and are trying to change the discipline. These congregations perform same-sex ceremonies, although theoretically they can get in trouble for doing so; and are welcoming communities for people of all sexual orientations. (Thank you, Linda, for providing this information!)
- Information on Reconciling Methodist Congregations
http://www.best.com/~ggould/tumc/rcp.html
Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) has the most anti-gay policies of any religion widely practiced in the United States.
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS) adopted a policy to include sexual orientation in their antidiscrimination policy. Gay and Lesbian individuals can be members, without fear of excommunication and do hold lay priesthood offices with some restrictions, but those restrictrions are under review. (Thanks to Allan, for the info!)
Historically the Episcopal Church has been more receptive to gay worshipers than many other Christian denominations. They welcome gay and lesbian members, ordain non-practicing homosexuals, and participate in anti-hate programs. They do not, however, perform same-sex union ceremonies.
The Lutheran Church believes that the sexual behavior of consenting adults is not an acceptable subject for legislation or police action. They believe that persons who engage in homosexual behavior are sinners only as are all other persons alienated from God and neighbor. They allow gay members, and ordain non-practicing homosexuals. In 1990 they suspended two San Francisco churches for ordaining openly gay and lesbian ministers.
Founded by the Rev. Troy Perry in 1968, the Metropolitan Community Church is an ecumenical religious denomination that predominately serves the gay and lesbian community, although they welcome all worshipers. The church ordains openly gay and lesbian clergy, performs same-sex union ceremonies, and believes that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality.
In 1991 Delegates issued a letter stating that homosexuality is not God's wish for humanity, rejected the sanctioning of same-sex unions, and forbade the ordination of openly gay clergy. The following year, a church court revoked the appointment of the Rev. Jane Spahr, a lesbian co-pastor in Rochester, N.Y. In 1993, the church reaffirmed practicing homosexuals could not be ordained.
The Roman Catholic Church has consistently condemned all homosexual "activity" as being sinful. It does however distinguish between homosexual orientation, which it considers morally neutral, and homosexual behavior, which it considers to be sinful.
In September of 1997 U.S. Catholic bishops released a pastoral letter urging parents to accept, love, respect and support their gay children. The message, described as an "outstretched hand" to parents who learn that their children are gay, was developed by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' committee on marriage and family.
The letter states "A shocking number of homosexual youth end up on the streets because of rejection by their families. This, and other external pressures, can place young people at greater risk of self-destructive behaviors, like substance abuse, and suicide." It went on to say "Generally, homosexual orientation is experienced as a given, not as something freely chosen. By itself, therefore, a homosexual orientation cannot be considered sinful, for morality presumes the freedom to choose."
While the letter said fundamental rights of homosexual men and women were to be respected and defended, it insisted sexual intimacy be limited to man and wife in a marriage.
The Unitarian Universalist Association has gone further than most denominations to defend the rights of gay men and lesbians. In 1970, the General Assembly approved a resolution upholding the rights of homosexuals, calling for an end to discrimination against gay candidates for the ministry. They conduct services for same-sex unions, and take an active stance on gay and lesbian rights.
The Unity Church welcomes gay and lesbian members, and ordains practicing homosexuals. They do not, however, participate in same-sex unions.
In 1972 the United Church of Christ became the first Christian denomination to ordain an openly gay person to the ministry. In 1983, UCC delegates voted in favor of a statement that said sexual orientation should not be grounds for barring a person from being ordained. The United Church of Christ performs same-sex union ceremonies, and takes an active interest in securing and protecting the rights of homosexuals.
Southern Baptist In 1987 the Southern Baptist Convention condemned homosexuality as a manifestation of a depraved nature and a perversion of divine standards. They also linked homosexuality to a general problem with moral decline in modern society.
American Baptists In general the American Baptists support the rights of minorities. In 1974, church president Peter Armacost said The church is open to any individual, regardless of whether he's sinned or not. We are all sinners, and no church should be closed to someone just because he is a homosexual.
This small sect has been vocal in its condemnation of homosexuality. They believe that same-sex practices are obvious perversions of God's original plan.
- Seventh-Day
Adventist Kinship International, Inc.
Offering support to gays, lesbians, their family and friends.
Since Christian Scientist believe that sexual activity is primarily for procreation, homosexuality has no place in the life of a proper Christian Scientist. The church has fired employees for being gay.
Quakers (Religious Society Of Friends)
In a 1963 statement, English Quakers declared: one should no more deplore homosexuality than left-handedness. In 1984 Quakers wrote: We affirm the power and joy of non-exploitive, loving relationships. As a society and as individuals we oppose arbitrary social, economical or legal abridgment of the right to share this love.
Church Policy Unknown, but homosexuality is most likely viewed in a negative manner.
Judaism
Because Jewish congregations vary so widely in questions of
doctrine and policy, there is no single definitive Jewish policy regarding
homosexuality.
Orthodox Jews
Generally take a dim view, regarding homosexual behavior as an
abomination which is forbidden by the Torah.
Conservative Jews
Voted in 1990 to recognize the equality of congregation members
regardless of sexual orientation. They also went on record as favoring the
decriminalization of homosexual activities between consenting adults, and the
passage of laws which prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians. They
support equal rights for homosexuals and gays and lesbians are welcomed at
synagogues.
Reform Jews
In 1990, the Central Conference of American Rabbis accepted gay
and lesbian rabbis. They do not currently discriminate on the basis of either
gender or sexual orientation when ordaining rabbis. In March 1996, they voted to
support same-sex civil marriages and to oppose state government efforts to ban
such unions. In practice, Reform rabbis are divided on whether to perform
same-sex commitment ceremonies; officiating by rabbis at such rituals will be
voted upon next year.
Reconstructionist Jews
The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association has supported for
many years, rabbis who chose to perform same-sex commitment ceremonies.
In many Native American Traditions, homosexuals are held in high regard and are viewed as having received a special blessing. They often become the "healers" and leaders of the community.
These groups generally accept homosexuality and bisexuality as natural and unchangeable orientations for some adults. Most groups welcome people without regard to sexual orientation.
Buddhism does not condemn homosexuality. Buddhist countries tend to have few social and legal prohibitions against homosexuality. Some, such as Thailand, are relatively free of homophobia.
Has a long tradition of severely proscribing homosexuality in theory, but it's often conveniently overlooked in practice.
- "Mixed
Blessings" - from the HRC
Download HCR's comprehensive look at mainstream religions' recent treatment of gays and lesbians. (requires Adobe Acrobat). - Ontario
Consultants on Religious Tolerance (OCRT)
OCRT's Homosexual & Bisexual Pages - Cyberhome For Gay and Lesbian Christians
- Whosoever - An online journal for LGBT Christians
- On
God and Being Gay
A wonderful essay by Charlie Galvin.