What Christian church is most accepting of gays and lesbians?

Question

Lifelong Catholic but that's going to change: My daughter, 15 just recently came out to me; I told her it's OK and I love her and support her 100% no matter what; but she seemed kind of upset and moody (usually very happy before); eventually let me know she had "confessed" her feelings to our Catholic priest before and he told her she had a "grave moral disorder" and needed to resist it or she was in danger of going to Hell. Obviously, I confronted him and gave him a piece of my mind. Where can Christian families that have gay members go and feel welcomed? I don't want my daughter to think she has to sacrifice either following her heart or her relationship with God.

Answer 1

Your daughter is lucky to have you for a mom.

Unitarians are accepting, but not actually Christian. They don't believe in the Trininty, and some don't believe in God either.

United Church of Christ:
http://www.stillspeaking.com/default.htm
They even had TV ads that show that they accept gay people.

Not all Catholics are anti-gay:
http://www.dignityusa.org/

The MCC church was established specifically for the needs of GLBT people:
http://www.mccchurch.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

You can join PFLAG and ask them about welcoming churches in your area:
http://www.pflag.org/

Answer 2

Unfortunately, any church that allows such sinful behavior neither knows Jesus nor do they know or understand what is actually written in the Bible. All things declared abominations under the Old Covenant r still abominations under the New Covenant. God has always had the same purpose & plan as like Him they never change. A church that isnt adhering to Jesus' Biblical instructions cancels its membership in God's Heavenly Kingdom. The church that doesnt rightly have the Son doesnt have the Father either. Without the Father a church has no connection 2 whats Heavenly. God does nothing without a purpose. He created a woman 4 intimate companionship with a man, 2 serve him & 2 procreate. He didnt create man 4 the same purpose. God's purpose has never changed - God is always the same, never changing forever, incapable of making a mistake (a product of being infinite & only 1 God can occupy infinity & that God is the Holy One of Israel - theres 1 catch, the proof is only varified if Jesus is the true Son of God). That being said, God can also forgive sinners which is why He sent His Son 2 die for all our sins. B/c God did this most loving thing 4 us & Jesus did all that God commanded Him 2 do then all must go 2 Jesus 2 be saved from our sins (Jn 14:6). This is because only thru Jesus can we be changed 2 what is acceptable 2 God. We cant change ourselves because we dont & cant know nor understand God's purpose 4 creation without Jesus Christ opening up a person's spiritual eyes to begin 2 know God & His purpose 4 everything (Jn 3:3,5). No human can live without breaking God's eternal Law & God cant look upon sin. The only way 2 get past this eternal barrier required someone 2 be the perfect sacrifice (the Lamb of God, without spot or blemish) 2 once & 4 all fulfill the Law of God. B/c Jesus perfectly fulfilled God's Law He has been given full authority over all things both in Heaven & on earth (Jn 14:6; Jn 5:39; Acts 4:12; Jn 10:1,7; Mt 28:18). He has been given authority 2 forgive our sins if we come 2 Him - He's the perfect Physician & the only 1 whom can heal us from our sins. This requires us 2 be Born Anew in accordance with Jn 3:3,5 (note: Nicodemus was very religious but Jesus told him flatout that he had missed the first most important step, that even being very religious wouldnt allow Nicodemus 2 get in2 or even see Heaven). Whoever searches 4 Jesus with all their heart & soul will find our 1 & only true God & His Kingdom. On the other hand, why would God want someone 2 live with Him forever if they dont want 2 know Him? But understand this, no religion or church has the power 2 save u. A church that understands what being Born Anew is actually about & is making every effort 2 follow the Bible might be able 2 help u but it is Jesus & His word that leads 1 2 salvation (Jn 5:39; Acts 17:11; Is 34:16; Prv 3:19). Unfortunately, theres many people & churches that are headed down the wrong path so dont believe everything told 2 u - always first pray 2 Jesus, then carefully research the Bible 2 find the truth - while remembering that theres a way that seems right 2 a man but its end equals death. voyc4rmwldrns

Answer 3

The following denominations are the most known for affirming the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) sexual identities: United Church of Christ (UCC), the Episcopal Church in America (ECA), the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). However, you will find that even some of the most traditional main-line denominations' urban local churches to be quite GLBT friendly, including many Roman Catholic local churches (i.e., having some covert "underground" connection to Dignity (an association for GLBT Catholics), which is not officially recognized by the Pope).

As a whole, you will find 2 major influences that would affect a local church's view on this issue, 1) whether they hold to a more literal view of the Bible, and 2) how close in proximity they are located to a GLBT community.

Concerning the first issue, GLBT views are just not compatible with the Bible, although many believe otherwise. In fact, the Bible makes it crystal clear that GLBT folks can move beyond their identity if they so choose, and even live successfully and happily in a traditional marriage. In addition, folks that espouse to a Gay Theology position really have to do some major reinterpreting of what the Biblical texts say, and can't really hold a candle to how absolutely clear this contrasting difference is.

Concerning the second, the overwhelming majority of GLBT communities are located within most of the major metropolitan and urban centers of the USA. This includes even most of the middle-sized cities of 200,000 or more in America. At times, it can be quite difficult for anyone who is self-avowed in one of these sexual identities to actually thrive comfortably, not only within rural areas of the country, but also most suburban regions too, given that both consist of predominantly traditional family groups of people. Fortunately, lesbians are known to have a much better chance of living comfortably than the other sexual identities do in the rural and suburban areas of the USA, since any observance of women living together by others in these subcultural regions of the country is considered within the norm and mores of that region.

Answer 4

The Metropolitan Community Churches are the major denomination that focuses primarily on offering a Christian environment welcoming to gays and lesbians. With regard to Episcopal churches some will be very welcoming and some very unwelcoming and some will not care - it is a bit hit or miss.

Try the following resources for more information and support:

http://www.soulforce.org

http://www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.com

http://www.mccchurch.org

Answer 5

If you're looking for a fairly traditional Protestant Christian church that is open and affirming, try the United Church of Christ.:

http://www.ucc.org/men/open-and-affirming.html

(Note: Do not confuse this with the "Church of Christ," which is evangelical and not particularly tolerant.)

As a (former) Catholic, you might be quite comfortable in an Episcopal Church congregation that is open and affirming, considering that the 'Piskies retain much of the Catholic traditions in their services. But the amount of acceptance of gay parishioners may vary from one congregation to the next.

And then there are always the Unitarian Universalists, who are VERY open and affirming, but they're also not specifically Christian, so you'll have to decide if that's right for you.

And finally, I APPLAUD you with complete sincerity and enthusiasm for supporting your daughter in this manner.

Answer 6

You can attend an MCC(Metropolitan Community Church) church or UCC(United Church of Christ) church. My partner and I attend an MCC church and was warmly welcomed into it from the first moment by everyone as if they had known us forever. Every week we are recharged by the service and fellowship to make it through another week. This church is open to gay and straight families. Absolutely wonderful and you should have one close to you being that they are widely spread throughout the U.S. if you just look. Best Wishes! Tanya

Answer 7

Good for you!! I used to be Catholic and Christian. I'm neither anymore, partly because of the hatred the church has for gay individuals.

BUT I have heard good things about Universial Unitarian churches.. they are non-denominational and also, they accept ALL religions, not just Christian.

If you're looking for Christian churches only, I think most United Methodist churches are very accepting, from what I've heard.

Good luck and I commend you!

Answer 8

Some people say that speaking against homosexuality is hatred, when in fact it is an act of love, pointing out a need for change to save them from the pit and give them a chance for eternal life.

Answer 9

Some churches...say that they accept Gays and Lesbians...basically they do that because they want to increase membership and donations...Later every Lesbian or Gay member will see when he or she decide to join Priesthood, or position of authority will be black balled heavily by the rest so called straight members and boards of the domination that they will choose, and as she will be a member all the members of the church they will try directly or ind erectly to con vice her to change her sexual orientation...The best solution is do not become a member to any church...Just let her visit any church she wishes here and there ...let her get her cover spiritual needs, and most important do not let her disclose her sexual preferences to no body because simply that is no body business. Also remember most members in every church they never do what they preach, simply they are another Banach of hypocrites

Answer 10

if u are talking about someone who was in something sexual immoral and now has repent and has recieved JESUS for the forgiveness of sins and wants to go to a chruch surely all christian chruch's should allow her.

but if u are talking about something that she wants to be in some sexual immoral relationship(s) and her relationship with GOD.

i tell you the truth she cannot live in a sexual wrong relationship(s) because JESUS hates such relationships.please kindly tell her that JESUS loves her and doesnt want her to live in sin

Galatians 5[kjv]
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But GOD will forgive us if we confess our sins.

1 John 1:9[kjv]If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

JESUS loves you.Have u recieved JESUS for the forgiveness of your sins?

John 3:16[kjv] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

so when we believe in JESUS we have eternal life.JESUS lived a sinless life and gave up his life as a sacrifice so we can be sin free. Ask JESUS to come into your heart and forgive ur sins and cleanse ur past with the blood JESUS shed on the cross.

With a simple prayer like above u can be saved.JESUS loves u and wants u to be saved.