HOW DO I RECONCILE THIS WITH MY RELIGION?
For some parents, this may be the most difficult issue to face. For others,
it's a non-issue.
It is true that some religions continue to condemn homosexuality. Even within these religions,
however, there are generally respected leaders who believe that their church's position of
condemnation is unconscionable.
Some mainstream religions have now taken official stands in support of gay rights. Some have
gone further. The Methodist Church, for example, has developed a network of reconciling
congregations welcoming homosexuals. Since 1991, The United Church of Christ has had a
denominational policy stating that sexual orientation should not be a bar to ordination. In the
Episcopal Church, the denomination's legislative body has declared that homosexuals have a full
and equal claim with all other people upon the church. In their 1994 draft of new pastoral
guidelines, the U.S. Episcopal bishops wrote, "As it can be for heterosexual persons, the
experience of steadfast love can be, for homosexual persons, an experience of God."
You will still hear people quote the Bible in defence of their prejudice against gay people.
But there are other Biblical scholars who dispute any anti-gay interpretations of Biblical texts.
Remember, hate groups of various kinds have always been able to interpret portions of the Bible
to justify their hatred.
There are references available that help you learn more about changing religious attitudes
towards homosexuality. PFLAG can help refer you to information and listings specific to your own
religion.
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