Judaism and homosexuality
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Reform Judaism
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Quotation:
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"...if there is anything at all that Reform Jews do, it is to
create an inclusive spiritual home for all those who seek the solace
of our sanctuaries. And if this Movement does not extend support to
all who have been victims of discrimination, including gays and
lesbians, then we have no right to call ourselves Reform Jews."
FAW, Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups
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Organizations within Reform Judaism:
Reform Jewish rabbis and congregations in the U.S. are linked to one of two national organizations:
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The Central Conference of
American Rabbis (CCAR) is the largest group
of rabbis in the American Reform tradition. Their membership includes about 1,800 rabbis who serve over 1.5
million Reform Jews. They have gradually taken a increasingly inclusive
approach to homosexuality. On 2000-MAR-29, they overwhelmingly approved a "Resolution
On Same Gender Officiation" giving rabbis the option of presiding at gay and
lesbian commitment ceremonies if they wish.
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The Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) is an umbrella group representing 860 Reform synagogues across the US.
They have stated that: "In accordance with the teaching of Reform Judaism that all human
beings are created 'Betselem elohim' (in the divine image), Reform Judaism has strongly
condemned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation."
They have "been
in the vanguard of the support for the full recognition of equality for lesbians and gays
in society." In 1993, they noted that "committed lesbian and gay couples
are denied the benefits routinely accorded to married heterosexual couples"; they
resolved that full legal equality for lesbians and gays requires legal recognition of
their relationships.
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Groups covered in this section:
Copyright © 2000 to 2010 by Ontario Consultants on Religious
Tolerance
Originally written: 2000-APR-3
Latest update: 2010-NOV-21
Author: B.A. Robinson
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