Categories: uncategorized
Date: 17 January 2013 15:34:47
In the aftermarth of the Steve Chalke article being published Oasis have put up this inclusion site, which includes an video from Chalke explaining where he is coming from. The resources section on that site still being put together.
I've put together lists of resources for LGBandT Christians and those seeking to support them on here before, but things including the movement forward from Oasis have meant that list now needs updating. At this point I do need to reinforce that this is my personal blog and I am putting together this list as part of an ongoing part of this blog. For those who have been wondering why I have been putting this type of disclaimer up recently on sexuality stuff it is because I now work part time as Community Engagement Officer for a LGBandT organisation. It's something which has made me even more aware of the importance of sharing information and providing information for people who are coming from different positions.
Most of the sites below have links to further resources and many have confidential lists of inclusive churches who are welcoming to LGBandT people. If you are a minister of a church which is affirming to LGBandT people please consider getting in touch with these groups to add your churches details to their lists.
Whilst understanding the difficulties it would be useful for a public directory to be compiled and to be directly accessible indicating where were inclusive churches but also where non-regular attenders might be able to go for trans naming services, Civil Partnership Blessings, Transgender Day of Remembrance events and so on.
So on with the updated list:
Inclusive Church (Anglican and focused and a range of diversity issues)
Outcome (Methodist)
QLGF (Quaker)
QUEST (Catholic)
Affirming Baptists (Baptist)
The United Reformed Church which allows civil partnership blessings to be held in its churches IF AGREED BY THE INDIVIDUAL CONGREGATION has produced some good resources.
Ecumenical Groups (and those representing specific theological perspectives)
Accepting Evangelicals - provides monthly email and has blog coming from a progressive evangelical perspective. Also provides speakers for debates in clergy training establishments, etc.
Evangelical Fellowship of Lesbian and Gay Christians
The Sibyls - Spirituality group for Transgender Christians
LGCM - more liberal organisation working as a strong pressure group on behalf of LGandB Christians
Gay Christian Network which is an international organisation, with an annual conference in the US
Gay Christian Europe. on line group which also has gatherings and annual retreat in UK
Two:23 network which provides quarterly meetings in London
Greenbelt has talks aimed at supporting LGBandT Christians within its programme. There are a seperate network of people working alongside the main festival to provide safe space opportunities including a communion service open to all but specifically enabling LGBandT Christians and their families and friends to share communion together. I don't have the time at the moment to go through all their talks and pick out good ones to signpost, I would invite you if you have time to look through these though. In addition to the speakers already signposted through this list I would add John Bell and Tony Campollo as names to use when searching for talks on this subject.
True Freedom Trust is an organisation whose position I personally disagree with and which I was initially wary of putting on here and including in the list. I know a number of people who have found their services useful, but I also know others who have not had such a positive experience due to the nature of their teaching which is non-affirming. However, I am seeking to put together a list which signposts people to material which will help them and I feel that I have to include this. Again at this point I stress this list is being complied personally for my personal blog.
Web based information
Peterson Toscano has information on his website which helps support those who have been involved in the ex-gay movement and material looking biblically at transgender issues.
James Alison - A gay Catholic theologian who has produced some excellent resources. This site links to his books and talks.
A Letter to Louise - site showing letter of a pastor giving a biblical affirmation of homosexuality
Family Acceptance - For families of LGBandT people
Nadia Boltz-Weber has provided a good example of liturgy for a trans naming rite, which is posted on her blog
This blog post by Rachel Mann may also be useful reading for some
I include Karl, my partner's, trans coming out post because it contains some useful links and gives an insight which some may find useful.
Books
Lee, J, (2013), Unconditional , Hodder and Stoughton. This is a new resource by the founder of the Gay Christian Network which is intended to help both LGBandT Christians and straight Christians to think through the issues.
Hill, W (2010), Washed and Waiting, Zondervan - a book by a celibate gay Christian who believes that his faith means he has to remain celibate
Marin, A, (2009), Love is an Orientation, IVP Books - book from a straight person looking to build bridges across the divide
Hagger-Holt, Rand Hagger Holt, S, (2009), Living it Out: A Survival Guide for lesbian, gay and bisexual Christians and their friends, families and churches, Canterbury Press (see http://www.livingitout.com/ )
Hopper, G.S.E.,(2005) Reluctant Journey: A Pilgrimage of Faith from Homophobia to Christian Love, (see http://www.reluctantjourney.co.uk/)
Marks, J, (2009), Exchanging the Truth of God for a Lie (Can be ordered from http://www.courage.org.uk/publications/Exchanging-Order-Form.pdf)
Outcome, (2009), And Can it Be?, (Can be ordered fromhttp://www.garyhopkins.net/outcome/bookform.pdf)
Bradshaw,T, (2003), The Way Forward? Christian Voices on Homosexuality and the Church, SCM Press
Films
Fish Out of Water - Documentary exploring relationship between homosexuality and the bible
For the Bible Tells Me So - Film looking at the experiences of lesbian and gay people and their families
Through My Eyes - Film sharing the experiences of young US LGBandT people
Prayers for Bobby - Film based upon the story of a young man who commits suicide and his families response
Other info
The Marin Foundation seeks to build bridges across the divide of opinion. Andrew Marin founder of this organisation has spoken at Spring Harvest.
Some local groups and churches exist which support LGBandT Christians. The following are just some I am aware of:
Soho Masses - Catholic local group in London
First Sunday in Oxford have a very good resource list
MCC Newcastle - MCC churches exist at different places within the UK and worldwide