Taking a New Look: Why Congregations Need LGBT Members

Clergy and other congregational leaders around North America are painfully aware of the risks that are involved in a congregation becoming fully welcoming and affirming of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Much less attention has been focused on what congregations lose by not being welcoming and affirming. The reality is that a loving and accepting attitude toward LGBT people brings many blessings to a church. A congregation that chooses to be welcoming and affirming of LGBT people:

1. Contributes to a positive image of inclusive Christianity.
2. Creates an atmosphere fostering church growth.
3. Gains the considerable gifts of LGBT clergy, professional staff and lay members
4. Offers safe places for LGBT youth.
5. Provides opportunity for LGBT members to participate more fully in the life of the church.
6. Provides support to families and friends of LGBT persons.
7. Positions itself better to offer sexuality education for children, teens and adults.
8. Demonstrates the kind of expansive hospitality God expects of us.
9. Demonstrates solidarity with persons pursuing human rights and justice for all people, including LGBT persons.
10. Frees silent friends of LGBT people from damage to the soul caused by the disconnect between their personal convictions and their public vocalization.