Exclusive inclusion in affirming churches
A call for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people even if that makes some people uncomfortable
LGBTQ+ inclusion is growing steadily in churches in America, non-denominational or mainline. The United Methodist Church (UMC) recently removed language from their Book of Discipline that could prevent practicing homosexual clergy. Notably though, it didn’t add any new language to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ clergy. The same can be said for many churches where the national stance is affirming, but at a congregational level, it might not be as welcoming. National level organizations tend to not like to make stands on controversial issues in tangible ways if that could offend those in the majority. This choice, however, is made at the expense of the marginalized.
A case is often made that a congregation has a diverse set of opinions and they wouldn’t want to be overt about their stance on LGBTQ+ affirmation at the risk of excluding conservatives in the congregation. While I think this position often comes from a genuine place, it’s misguided. After all, if we truly believe that sexual orientation and gender identity is not a choice, then excluding LGBTQ+ folks is the same as excluding those of a different race.
During the Civil Rights movement, there needed to be church-wide education that racism is not Christlike. There needed to be pastoral discipline for those who were unwelcoming to Black congregants until a critical mass was reached. At some point, those with bigoted views either repented and changed their mind, stopped talking about it, or left the church. The result was a majority of churches today that are openly welcoming to all races.
I think in an effort to be inclusive to all people, many churches neglect to see that they are catering to those who think and act in ways that are exclusive. By not taking a stand with the marginalized, be they folks of a minority race, women in church leadership, or LGBTQ+ image bearers of God, a church’s silence invites bigotry. In Galatians, Paul recounts a story where he opposed Cephas (Peter) to his face. Why? Because he distanced himself from uncircumcised Gentiles in favor of those who were circumcised. He wasn’t taking a stand for full inclusion and because of this, according to Paul, “he stood self-condemned.” (Galatians 2:11 NRSVue)
For good reason, progressive churches tend to be very careful, even avoid, church discipline. This can be a double-edged sword though because if churches are not correcting bigoted and exclusive behavior and opinions in the church, they are building a culture that is, in fact, exclusive to the “least of these.” Does the church need to be the thought-police? Absolutely not. However, if the church is not preaching practically about what it means to live like Christ as it relates to controversial topics in an effort to remain apolitical and inclusive, they are allowing external sources to influence their views of LGBTQ+ people.
We have to realize that in this connected world, the local church is no longer the only source of theological opinion. Nowadays people can get their Biblical views from Facebook posts, Youtube conspiracies, and misogynist preachers online. If that’s what they are consuming throughout the week, they will naturally bring those opinions to church. If their church is affirming by denomination, but they don’t hear any counter-narratives about how Christ wants them to live, their position will become more solidified. When that happens, their actions will inevitably affect how they treat people in church who they have been conditioned to be suspicious of during the week. This creates an exclusive environment for the marginalized among the congregation.
This isn’t only for LGBTQ+ people but for other marginalized groups as well. Think of the last time people in your church—or one you were attending—were suspicious of an unhoused person, or unwelcoming to someone of a different race or ignored someone of a different socioeconomic class than the majority of the church community. If the church doesn’t address the problem of exclusion openly, directly and regularly, worldly influences will creep in naturally. Followers of Jesus are meant to be the salt and light of the earth, and this is what that means: being a beacon of light for true inclusion and justice, even if that means making those with exclusive views feel uncomfortable.
During this Pride month, if you go to one of these churches where the church’s stance is inclusive, but the hegemony is silent on Christlike justice issues, I’d encourage you to take steps to correct this. Specifically with respect to issues of gender and sexuality, consider recommending the following practical steps, or doing them yourself!
Talk to people in your church about issues like this. Ask your friends where they stand and hear them out. Try to understand where they are coming from but this is a place where speaking truth in love is applicable.
Request that your pastor or leader pray for specific marginalized groups from the pulpit.
Request your pastor be more specific about the kinds of harm that Christians can and do cause to LGBTQ+ people and include that in the confession.
Recommend a book club that reads through books that try to dispel myths that the Bible condemns homosexuality. I might recommend:
“Changing our Minds” by David P. Gushee
“Unclobber” by Colby Martin
“God and the Gay Christian” by Matthew Vines
Suggest your church display a Pride flag somewhere visible. This could be as simple as a sticker on door that explicitly states this is an affirming and inclusive church.
These are just some ideas, and every church is different. However, the common theme I’ve seen for many supposedly inclusive churches is a lack of awareness that they are excluding the marginalized in an effort to make the majority comfortable. Church should not be comfortable, it should challenge us. Loving others, even our enemies is not easy, yet that’s what Christ calls us to. I believe the church can change, and oftentimes it needs to happen from the inside. So if you’re in a position to do something, especially if you are straight and/or cis, you have a responsibility to do something. Go and love others in the name of Christ.
Happy Pride!