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 | Whether to allow known, sexually active homosexuals to:
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| Whether to allow known celibate homosexuals to:
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| Whether to provide a formal religious ceremony for committed gay and lesbian couples. These are variously called union, civil union, commitment or marriage ceremonies. | ||||||
| Whether to have an active study program to reduce homophobia within the denomination. |
There is no consensus within Christianity about:
| The nature of homosexuality, |
| What the Bible says about homosexuality, or |
| What policies to enforce about gay and lesbian members, candidates for ordination. commitment rituals or study programs. |
The response of Christian faith groups to homosexuality varies greatly, depending mainly upon their position in the liberal - fundamentalist continuum. More liberal denominations and Christians tend to view homosexuality as a civil rights matter; they generally believe it is fixed, unchosen, normal, natural, and morally neutral sexual orientation for a minority of adults. More conservative denominations and Christians tend to view homosexuality as a profound evil; they generally believe it is changeable, chosen, abnormal, unnatural and immoral behavior, regardless of the nature of the relationship.
| The more liberal denominations, like the United Church of Christ, have changing their positions on homosexuality, in recent years, to adopt a more inclusive stance. |
| Mainline denominations such as the Methodists, Presbyterians and Episcopalians are actively debating the question. A future church schism may result., particularly in the case of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and Episcopal Church. USA. Similar splits have occurred in the past over human slavery, whether women should be ordained, and certain theological debates. |
| More conservative denominations are taking no significant action to change their beliefs and policies at this time. |
| Fundamentalist denominations commit significant effort against homosexuality and homosexual rights. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention expelled three of their congregations who had conducted a study of homosexuality, had concluded that the denomination's beliefs were invalid, and who welcomed gays and lesbians as members. |
All movement appears to be towards greater inclusiveness towards homosexuality and homosexuals. This is reinforced by the more accepting stance of today's youth. We are unaware of any religious groups becoming less inclusive.
Sponsored link:
Partial list of churches and their position on homosexuality:
As we uncover statements about homosexuality by various Christian denominations, we include them in a new essay and link it to the following list. Over time, we hope to add to this list so that it represents all of the large Christian denominations, and some smaller ones. We encourage our visitors to help us add to this list by supplying us with information from their own denominations.
We currently have essays available about homosexual policies and beliefs by the following denominations. :
* The Unitarian Universalist Association is not generally considered a Christian denomination. We have included it here because about 10% of its members consider themselves to be Christian.
Related essay on this web site:
| Homosexuality and religion: Policies of non-Christian religions. |
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Home page > Conflict > Homosexuality > Religious groups > here |
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Home > Religious info. > Basic > Marriage > Same-sex marriage > Menu > here |
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Home > "Hot" topics > Homosexuality > Same-sex marriage > Menu > here |
Copyright © 1996 to 2006 by Ontario Consultants on Religious
Tolerance
Latest update: 2006-JUL-09
Author: B.A. Robinson
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