In 1972 William R Johnson (Bill Johnson) was the first openly gay minister to be ordained through the United Church of Christ. Since, there have been many LGBTQIA+ Christians that have been serving the Christian Church around the world openly. While this topic has been a controversial one, at its heart is an important human rights issue. LGBTQIA+ people should be welcomed and included in the Christian Church without discrimination. The Christian Church is based on Jesus and Jesus' teachings. The Christian Church has always believed in a loving, liberating, life-giving God, who was revealed in Jesus. Jesus was very clear that all were welcomed at his table with no exception. We are saved by grace through faith alone. Traditionally, homosexuality has been seen as a sin, but it's time that this position be re-examined. There is ample biblical evidence to change an interpretation that has been long incorrect. Consider that for a significant period, the church interpreted the earth as the center of the universe, and in the United States and many parts of the world slavery to be permitted and justified. Today, we acknowledge how wrong those interpretation were. The Reformation Project is just one group that is advocating for this change. Below is a link to the resources for exploring this important topic.
This page also seeks to list out LGBTQ+ resources for any looking to connect with faith communities that are affirming, that means that these churches or groups within the church recognize that LGBTQ+ people are welcomed in the church as full citizens of God's beloved community. The hope is that this resource will help connect and build bridges looking to the day that the church lives fully into the gospel hope of John 17:22 "The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one".
The Reformation Project and the basis for inclusion in the church
