In June of this year, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will take up legislation in our 226th General Assembly in Salt Lake City Utah, specifying gender identity and sexual orientation as categories of non-discrimination and upholding this as a standard for the church. This stance is based on the foundational teachings of the church and on Jesus Christ own life and ministry. Jesus always place mercy before a legalistic reading of the law, he also socialized and welcomed people of every condition and status. There were strong religious prohibitions from socializing with many groups in their society, some of these came with complicated cultural barriers, such as the relationship with the Samaritans, others had a basis in scripture such as the requirement of circumcision for all male worshippers. Jesus never allowed these religious or social barriers to stand in his way of making human connections and drawing people together, or allowing people to minister and be ministered to. In fact, Jesus came to break these barriers down intentionally and forcefully.
This is also consistent with biblical teaching that bars discrimination in the community of faith. The book of James 2:3-5 says, “...do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, while showing partiality”. These verses warn that treating people unfairly based on prejudiced distinctions harms the body of Christ. James 2:8 “if you really fulfill the royal law according to scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, you do well." The principle illustrated here is a simple one, yet one many congregations find difficult to enact. Every Christian has the right to be treated with equality, fairness and dignity, there is no room for discrimination of any kind based on either social status, or inherent human qualities including sexual orientation and gender identity. Now, while acknowledging that the James passage primarily speaks to discrimination of class between the rich and poor, I believe scripture can faithfully be applied to other categories and human made barriers or distinctions. The same principle is reiterated in Gal 3:28-29
In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.
Most recently, in accordance with the mandate of our 2018 General Assembly to “celebrate the gifts of all gender identities and sexual orientation in the life of the church” and to “affirm the full dignity and humanity of people of all gender identities” our church has gone on record stating that while all humans are sinners and that we all fail to follow God's law of loving our neighbor as ourselves, “being the person God created you to be can never be a sin.” This is in line not only with biblical principles laid down in (Genesis 1:27, Matt 27:37-39) but also with the long held and firmly established principle in the medical, social, and behavioral sciences that sexual orientation and a sexual identity are fundamental dimensions of personhood. Therefore, people should not discriminate against others based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
While we believe as a church that the only requirement for church membership is our profession of faith in Christ, we know that LGBTQIA+ persons still face discrimination in both church and society. LGBTQIA+ persons are more likely to experience threats and harassment than their straight counterparts, and still face far fewer opportunities for placement and advancement in the church. It is therefore imperative that the church provide protections against such discrimination. The church is a place where every Christian should be allowed to participate in the sacraments, to participate in ministry according to their gifts and calling, to be treated with fairness and dignity, and to be safe from harassment, discrimination and abuse (Rom 2:11, Rom 3:22-24, Acts 2:17).
The church should also give witness to social justice beyond its walls. In 2023, hundreds of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the United States, with a focus on regulating curriculum in public schools, access to health care, and gender affirming care. The church should take the lead by example and create the environment in which all human life is nurtured if we are to influence our world. If the Presbyterian church has already recognized that the Spirit of God is and has been at work among LGBTQIA+ Christians, and if we take seriously the task of confronting discrimination, than there is no other path forward but to pass this overture. This will send a strong message and witness to the world that the church stands in solidarity and ministry with our LGBTQIA+ siblings and coworkers in our country and around the world.
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