Each January, the Gay Christian Network (GCN) hosts a conference for LGBT Christians and their supporters. Writing on the Medium, one of those Christians reflects on the experience, and the various tensions contained within the community.
The author notes that the conference contained “Side A” Christians who believe that LGBT unions are blessed by God, and “Side B” Christians who believe that LGBT folk are called to celibacy. As distinct as those two views are, the conference also included vitriolic opponents of LGBT relationships and people; the Westboro Baptists were in attendance to protest the entire event.
From the Medium:
But GCN was ultimately about attempting to reconcile these rifts within the community, and even the rift between queer Christians and people like Westboro. On Sunday morning, the director, Justin Lee, argued that “loving your enemies” means not just abstractly forgiving hateful protesters, but listening to the perspectives of political and personal enemies in our families and congregations. Thus it is GCN’s responsibility to reach WBC protesters, Southern Baptist leaders, Focus on the Family, Leelah Alcorn’s parents. I think this is a dangerous message to deliver to people who have been abused. But I do admire the spirit of the big tent, of committing to coming together, however uncomfortably.
GCN is focused on transforming attitudes towards LGBT people in churches. Are you already aware of their work? Do you use any of their resources for yourself, your congregation, or your church family? Have you attended their annual conference? Let us know!
Posted by David Streever