Last week I introduced a new series of posts, on the ‘topic’ of LGBT and faith, and shared some brief thoughts on the issue, and some boundaries/ground rules for this series.
In the next two weeks I’ll sharing guest posts from a gay Christian in a same-sex relationship, and a bi-sexual Christian woman, happily married to a man.
But before we get to those, I felt it would be helpful to share my own journey with you, and explain how I arrived at the position I now hold, as a Christian straight ally.
As I mentioned last week, a straight ally is someone who whilst straight themselves, takes a stand for LGBT rights, to advocate for them, and work with them to grow awareness. In the Christian church, this would be someone who advocates for a more welcoming, Christ-like approach to the LGBT community from the church, building bridges between the church and the LGBT community, and speaking love to this community.
I mentioned last week one of my reasons for being so passionate about this, is because of my heart for the outsiders, the minority groups, the ones others forget. But as someone who is straight, with no immediate family in the LGBT community, I accept it still could appear confusing to some why I’m so passionate about this subject and where the interest came from.
So let me explain.
For me, this has been a slow burn. For a long time I held a view of homosexuality I call ‘non-affirming’ – believing it wasn’t scriptural, and the Bible was against same-sex relationships and equal marriage.
For several years now though, I’ve held the opposite view – I’m affirming of monogamous same-sex relationships, equal (or gay) marriage, and believe that this is affirmed, not condemned, in scripture.
So how and why did I make this shift?
Even when I held what’s called the traditional, non-affirming view, I never felt comfortable about it. I never had a peace in my heart about what I believed. In hindsight, believed it because I figured I ‘had’ to as a Christian and there was no other way. But a few years ago I began to notice the terrible treatment of the LGBT community by much of the evangelical church, even the ‘good people’ in the church allegedly acting in love, but ultimately causing such damage to people.
Mental illness. Suicides. And people leaving the church, permanently damaged mentally and psychologically.
And if the fruit of a particular theology is mental illness, self-harming and suicide, we must question whether this theology is divinely inspired. So I began seriously reflecting on this subject and on the position I had previously thought unquestionable.
As I did, it dawned on me I’d never properly studied the Bible on the subject. So I proceeded to look at the few verses of scripture which address this, looking at context, history, themes and language. I read excellent books and blog posts on the subject by respected authors and scholars, and listened to talks. And during and after all of this, had periods of reflection and prayer.
All of which ultimately led me to changing my view.
And once I did, I felt a peace, an affirmation from God on this subject I’d not had before.
I felt I was finally in tune with God’s perspective on the issue, for the first time.
Several years later I completed a course on how Christians and churches can build bridges with the LGBT community, hearing stories from real people struggling with their sexuality, the church, and their faith, and reconciling them. In the last few months in particular I have been building relationships with members of the LGBT community, both in the London area and online through social media.
And here I am.
Despite being a major force for good in the world in many ways, in this area much of Christian church has been, frankly, abysmal – both in how we’ve built relationships with and interacted with the LGBT community.
Far from being welcoming, loving, accepting and full of grace, the vast majority of experiences I’ve heard about from LGBT people I know, has been rejection, ignorance, exclusion and condemnation. Even hatred.
This has to stop.
But whichever way people interpret scripture – whether they are affirming or non-affirming of LGBT relationships and marriage – there’s never an excuse for not loving your neighbour, or treating people with disrespect, bad language, insults, mistrust and exclusion.
The LGBT community are part of God’s family, and they are no different, no less worthy, no less loved, no less significant or valuable, than any other.
Two Steps Forward
This isn’t a post about theology though. People have different interpretations of scripture – and it’s important we respect one other’s views. There are two steps which all of us, both affirming and non-affirming, can take to move this issue forward constructively.
1) Having healthy dialogue as a church, accept we are dealing with this issue badly, and begin exploring how we can do things in more Christ-like way.
2) Be engaging and reaching out to members of the LGBT community in the places we live and work, and welcoming them unconditionally into our churches.
I’m unashamedly LGBT-affirming, and I believe Jesus is too. What I share about this subject will always come from that perspective.
As I’ve said, I won’t try to change anyone’s mind on this subject, I respect others right to a different opinion. Arguing and debating theology isn’t constructive or helpful.
That said, I do believe the most radical change will come when the church as a whole re-examines their assumptions and traditional standpoints about this subject, and shifts to a more affirming position.
I’m fast becoming convinced how the church and we as Christians approach this issue can tell us a lot about our relationship with God, how we engage with Christian discipleship, how we read the Bible, and who we think God is – both as individuals and as a church.
However, as I promised, I’m not going to debate theology. I will not engage with that and have no interest in it.
Instead, let all of us – LGBT affirming and non-affirming – begin building bridges with the LGBT community. And do a better job of letting them know God loves them. (you can tweet that)
And to the LGBT community, I say again, you are welcome at God’s table. As you are, right now, today. You are as accepted, loved and welcomed by Jesus as anyone else, as you are.
Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
So let us all, God’s people, come together in love. And walk this life together.
I hope you’re with me.
Question for Reflection:
How do believe the church can practically become a place where the LGBT community feel welcome?
Let me know in the comments below.
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(Picture Source: straightforequality.org)
James Prescott
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I hold a very strong belief about this James. I find that people who are the most devout to their faiths are sometimes the least compassionate – they hide behind religion, they twist what they read and interpret to suit their needs. I have gay friends in committed relationships, longer lasting than most straight marriages, and they have children, and they both have good jobs, and yet they are ostracized by certain members of their “faith.” It’s ridiculous. I don’t believe any of us has any say telling others who we choose to love or spend our lives with. It has nothing to do with religion but personal choice. Or, at least it should. IMHO.
Agree with you in large part Elyse, but there are many good people who are still non-affirming. I hope one day we can all be in the affirming position, and see the damage the non-affirming position can cause. Thanks for your comment.
Wish I could comment at length but you really wouldn’t like it. So, I’m going to leave. I pray that God will have mercy and remove the veil from your eyes. And not just yours, but all who are making a mockery out of the holiness of God. This affirming and non-affirming stuff is simply wrong. We are to agree on the essentials and give grace in the non-essentials. How we as Christians view LOVE is an essential…because God is LOVE. That is why this is such a big deal. You think love is love? I don’t. But, I do think sin is sin.
Maria, I would never and have never made a mockery out of God’s holiness, and never would, and I don’t think Eylse is either (Elyse isn’t a Christian, just to clarify).
And I do agree – God is love, and sin is sin. It’s just that we disagree on what the Bible says about sin and homosexuality, and I believe there are legitimate reasons for it.
I’m sad you wish to leave, but understand and accept that. I hope we can disagree in love, and part not as enemies but as brother and sister in Christ who happen to disagree on one issue. Many blessings.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’ve been questioning this myself recently, because we have some good friends, two women who are married with a child, and I realised that I would never invite them to my church. They are one of the most beautiful families I know, and yet I know that our supposedly welcoming church not only wouldn’t let them serve in any area of ministry, but would try to change them. Because of the impression given by ‘The Church’, for them the Good News is anything but. So now I’m trying to work through my gut instincts about how God feels about LGBT people with scripture. I haven’t been confident enough to talk about my beliefs in church yet – I’m so glad you’ve ‘come out’!
Abbie, this comment made my day. Makes doing this thing worthwhile. So glad to have encouraged you today and thanks for the comment.
You said you’ve done lots of studying – could you give me a recommended reading list?
Abbie, I will post a reading list of good resources on the blog in due course. I can e-mail them to you privately if you like too?
While I take the non-affirming approach, I do believe what you say about the way the Christian Community treats people is true. There is much condemnation and hateful talk and action. We must get better at our communication and treat people as we would want to be treated.
Thanks Nichole – so great that a non-affirming Christian is so gracious and understands what I’m trying to do here, and sees the bigger picture. Thanks.
I grew up learning God is love. There was no limitation placed on that love – so should we limit who we treat with love and respect? I was also taught “God doesn’t make mistakes.” Being accepting and open to all just seems like the right thing to do. I have several gay, lesbian, bi and trans friends. But I was an ally before I met any of them.
‘There was no limitation on that love’ – yes Denise, totally. Thanks for the comment and for sharing.
Hi Denise. Why do you need to be an ‘ally’ (not to sure what the need for this is) before having LGBT friends, I don’t understand?
God is love. Honest, pure, holy love. Not lust, or infatuation, or license. We can’t do things just because they seem like the right thing to do. Our feelings and emotions don’t trump God’s Word. It is not easy to be a follower of Christ. Many times there are sacrifices and there are principles we obey because they are God’s ways, not ours. As Christians, we all should have things we do because we love God more than we love ourselves.
Same-sex attraction is not simply about lust. LGBT people have meaningful, God-centred, faithful, lifelong, committed relationships, and I know because I’ve met these kind of people and seen these relationships. That stereotype really is outdated I’m afraid. And as I’ve said, same-sex attraction is not a choice. Hope we can disagree in love Maria and sorry if I have offended you.
First of all, my name is Marla, not Maria. Anyway, using your logic, heterosexual attraction is also not a choice. What we do with that attraction IS a choice. If we are single, we stay pure. If we are married, we are free to have a sexual relationship with our spouse only. If we are divorced, we are not to have sexual relationships unless we are married again–and only if we are free to marry again. If we are not free to marry, then we remain single and refrain from sexual relationships. I think this discussion has less to do with stereotypes and more to do with obedience. It is a choice and it is sometimes very costly. However, it is also a beautiful and God honoring way to live–to have Christ as your only love! If same sex unions are civil, I will deal with that, because I’m in the world and have to deal with all sorts of things I don’t agree with. What I have a problem with is people bullying the church into accepting this way of life–this sinful choice that same-sex couples make. They want to be in the church but they want everyone to play by their rules. They want us to accept what we know is a sinful lifestyle and find ways to affirm their choice. That’s the problem. We can’t. We don’t believe that God accepts or blesses same-sex unions. We believe in repentance for sins – a turning from them – a change of mind – a following of God’s plan – not ours. It does not matter one iota if same-sex couples are together for 30 years. Spiritual blindness does not have time limits. This exact same scenario applies to people in the church who are single and having sex. It applies to unbiblical remarriages. The only cure is to repent and turn from the sin. The power of the cross and the love of God can take us out of any sinful situation and give us the grace to live in obedience. It brings freedom. But, that can only be done if there are eyes to see and ears to hear.
Marla, apologies for getting your name wrong. Basic error, my mistake, apologies. Thanks for explaining your perspective so clearly and helpfully, thank you. And though I do disagree theologically I do think obedience is a very high value and something not discussed enough, so thanks for mentioning it.
I agree that there should be no bullying anyone into any position. I would never condone that type of thing nor practice it – if I have come across that way, again, my apologies.
The theology will be discussed extensively elsewhere. My goal is for those who are for and against same sex relationships to work together in common ground.
We all agree I think that God is love and all of us need to know that love, and that the LGBT community do as well, so let’s work together and make the church a place they don’t fear but are happy to come to knowing they are welcome and loved by God.
Hope this is helpful, and thanks again for your grace and your comments Marla.
I feel a need to be an ally because I am familiar with prejudice and discrimination due to something over which I have no control. Now that I have deep and meaningful relationships with those who are gay, lesbian, bi and trans it is even more important to me to speak out against discrimination.
As a straight-ally, let me explain how I came to that belief. Eons ago, when a young man, my minister explained to me that the Bible and its Holy Word was translated by monks hundreds of years ago,. Their interpretation of the words, and their mindset of the period, was the basis of what was said. Years later I learned that the King James version was produced only after he had specifically agreed to that which was written. In other words, if he didn’t like what it said, it was rewritten or left out. Talk about editorial brow-beating. I had a roommate who I’d served with in the Navy. When he informed me of how the birds and bees worked for him, I was very upset. This guy was like a brother. We shared so many secrets and then this one – he was gay. I went out, started drinking, got very drunk and needed to talk. I called a priest. I’m not Catholic. The young priest was very understanding and poured coffee into me at a local drugstore booth. As I sobered, what he was telling me made sense. What did I learn? My roommate had not changed. He had been gay since he was 16 years old. What had changed was, I now knew. I’d changed. This was 1968 or 1969. When I got home, my roommate was in the midst of packing. We talked and remained roommates for another 2 years. I learned about the LGBT through him and found them to be a wonderful group. I re-found my faith because of them and their private Sunday morning church service. As a Christian I am a firm believer in loving my fellow man and that doesn’t mean only those who think like me. Christians believe in Christ. Who they want to share their life has nothing to do with that theology. Again, stepping back to the translation of the Bible. The Hebrew word for universe and earth I am told is the same so yes, I think God wanted us to fly. I know the word for Peace and World in Russian is “mir.” Translations are the enemy. Too much gets lost. Love is one.
Thanks for sharing your story Bob, really appreciate your honesty and wisdom here. Great comment, and totally agree with your points. Thanks.
I’m so gratified to read this from someone as devoted to
your spirituality as you. What should amaze people more than a statement like
this, however, is the idea that a church, or any group that proclaims love as
its most important tenet, has treated any group with such hatred and contempt.
But there is a problem in that you say you don’t want to
debate scripture, because the interpretation of the scripture is at the root of
the problem. At some point, any church that is going to shift in its acceptance
of LGBT people will have to address that scripture.
At the risk of igniting another debate, I might suggest this
idea: no Christian sect accepts every line in the Bible, because there are many
that people today find objectionable. Just look at the prescriptions in
Leviticus for dealing with adulterers and “witches.”
Some will say that the objectionable lines are due to
translation errors, but as Bob Nailor says, much is lost in translation. So we
have to accept the idea that, as true to the religion as many of us want to be,
we have to use our own judgement and our own context to decide which scriptures
to follow, and which to leave behind.
Get your point totally Scott. There is a space for discussing the scriptures, yes. And ultimately, I do believe eventually the church will come to an affirming position, organically, naturally. For now though it’s important we work together to make the church a safe place for LGBT people. Great comment, thanks.
Scott, theology won’t be a problem for those who support LGBT as they just change the scripture to suit.
Marc, I’ve commented on this already. You’re totally inaccurate on why people are affirming – and the affirming view has sound, academic, theological support. Please don’t try to subtly turn this into a debate. Appreciate it.
I have merely stating the facts, you have changed scripture to fit in with your own view. That’s the way it is…no debate necessary.
Bravo James. Love your authenticity and vulnerability here. I feel I am on the path to being affirming. Still in process. Thanks again for this.
Thanks Julie-Anne, glad you like the post and this is leading you on that journey. Have a great day.
As Christians, there is no excuse for treating anyone with hatred or contempt, regardless of who a person is or what they believe…and THAT is what we should be discussing. That being said, I disagree with your theology (even though you won’t discuss it) and your conclusions. I have studied and reflected and prayed as well. But, unlike you, I think this should be theologically debated in our churches and conclusions drawn and steps taken in line with the outcome of the discussions. Your terminology in describing me and others like me is offensive: we are non-affirming, non-loving, and unable to understand God. There is nothing wrong with me NOT accepting your premise that bad theology is linked with suicide and mental illness. I don’t think they have anything to do with each other. I love people and you don’t have a right to tell me that I don’t. I love people who are saved and people who are lost and people who are deceived. Please don’t forget about us “non-affirming” people who don’t hate anyone. We are here and we also have a voice.
Maria, apologies for the offence – ‘affirming’ and ‘non-affirming’ is in reference to same-sex relationships, it’s not meant offensively or with negative connotations on either side. It’s just meant as an easier way of saying ‘for’ or ‘against’. I’m genuinely sorry you were offended.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you disagreeing with me and you are welcome to do so, and I completely respect your right to hold a different view than myself.
I do think there is a theological discussion to be had – and it’s been going on for a long time, and is still going. But for me, the practical thing right now, which is so urgent, is to ensure whatever our perspective that the LGBT community don’t – as so many do now – feel afraid to come to church, that God hates them, that they aren’t welcome, and alienated. This is a major problem, which we all need to confront together. Because God loves all of us equally, and no one should feel they don’t belong in God’s kingdom or a church community, or that God hates them.
So continue to discuss theology, and I believe eventually, in time, we will come to a place – like with the role of women, racial issues, and slavery – where we see God loves us all as we are and has a role for us all to play, and we are all equal. But this discussion will continue, and whatever it’s outcome, the church needs to deal with this so much better.
Thanks for your comment and your honesty – really appreciate it.
Marla, James is looking at it from the perspective that everyone who doesn’t affirm LGBT relationships do not love these people and that somehow we are mistaken in our understanding in our theology. This is fair enough it’s his opinion. I am sure that you, like myself love people as they are even if we not happy to change our theology to fit current evangelical fashions.
Marc, I do not think at all that non-affirming Christians don’t love those people – and I have never suggested that nor made that accusation. Many good people believe the non-affirming view (such as yourself), who genuinely love others. I’m sorry if I gave the impression otherwise.
And i’m not adapting my theology to culture. I’m trying to read the scriptures properly, and in the spirit of who God really is. That’s all. If was adapting scripture to culture I’d make it say other things than just the affirmation of same-sex relationships.
This isn’t going to be a theological debate, so let’s leave it there.
I know it’s not James. It is the big elephant in the room that is being ignored by you and others.
Marc, right now you are being completely dismissive of any opinion or valid, legitimate interpretation scripture other than your own – and it’s offensive not just to me, but to others who believe the same (including many respected theologians). Let’s leave it there.
James, I am making a point that you are doing exactly the same. You insult (and I don’t think for one minute intentionally) people who do not agree with your point of view and come across as somehow wonderfully enlightened and we are somehow unloving and idiotic. And every time, and I mean every time you are challenged you ‘leave it there’. I challenge you to blog purely about you own theological support for same sex marriage (because being evangelical you are supposed to base everything on the bible) and LGBT and why your theology is so much better than the church who you are happy to insult by calling it abysmal.
Marc, if I am being offensive, how is that you are literally the only person who has said so? There’ve been many non-affirming people who have read this post, and commented either here or on Facebook, and none have been insulted, all have seen my heart behind this – that whatever our opinion, we need to make the church a more welcoming place for the LGBT community. I am merely being honest about the damage this theology has done, my own journey and why I hold my opinions – I’m not asking anyone to agree with me, or condemning anyone who doesn’t, and most people who’ve read this post get that.
I have said both in this post and my previous one I will not blog about theology – because that’s not the point. I’m not trying to convince anyone of my argument, or force anyone to agree with me, or get into a debate which ultimately will not be constructive at all.
The point of what I am doing is to make the Christian church a place where the LGBT community don’t feel condemned, unloved and unwelcome, but loved and welcome, by God and the church itself, whatever our theological perspective.
I apologise if it looked like I was attacking you or anyone, and glad you know it wasn’t my intention. But please do understand I’m not engaging in a debate. That was never the purpose of this series, and most people who have commented or read this post seem to get that. I hope you understand.
James, I find it offensive that you insult the church, the whole Body of Christ calling it ‘abysmal’, it does more good than any movement on this planet. Please be more thoughtful. Not being able to accept LGBT does not make something bad but does mean we have to explore the reasons why not and what if anything can be done to explore that.
Just to clarify – You are not alone. I find it offensive as well. However, I know that James is not willing to discuss it, so there is no point. Apparently, his mind is made up. It still needs to be discussed in the church and amongst people who understand the bigger picture and who do want to make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling with this issue.
First, with respect, I am not insulting the church and I’m offended you would think so Marc. I love the church and am part of it, and the church is a massive force for good in the world. But the fact remains it has been responsible for a lot of damage to individuals in the LGBT community and needs to take responsibility for it. I follow and worship Jesus, not the church. And the church is not perfect in any way.
Second, I am not interested in discussing theology not because I am unwilling to listen or accept others opinions – I respect anyone’s right to disagree with me. The reason I’m not interested is because, apart from the fact the discussion is going on elsewhere, for me it serves no purpose, because neither side is going to agree with the other.
I am more interested in the bigger picture, and I want to make a difference to the lives of those who are struggling because they don’t feel welcome in church because of their sexuality.
My goal is to find a positive way forward for the church on this issue, whatever an indivuduals theologocial standpoint, and for the church to become a place where the LGBT community feel welcomed.
You seem to be misrepresenting me and misunderstanding my purpose of what I am doing. I am just as anxious for a positive way forward – that’s why I am doing this – but I’m not going to debate theology because that doesn’t help us make the changes we desperately need. That discussion is valid and important, but it can take place elsewhere – I’m interested in everyone working together to serve our LGBT brothers and sisters and let them know God loves them and they are welcome in our churches.
More people knowing God loves them and being welcomed in our churches. Isn’t that something all of us – affirming and non-affirming – would love?
If you don’t know any gay celibate Christians why not find them, add some balance and be an ally of people..that’s is what we are called to do. Get some balance.
You say Theology serves ‘no purpose’ on your blog!!…so the study of the nature of God serves no purpose on a Christian blog..very worrying indeed.
This is far from positive.
Marc, yet again you are manipulating and twisting my words to mean something I don’t mean. Maybe not intentionally, but that’s what you seem to be doing.
I mentioned in my comments above – the theological discussion is important, but it’s not what I am trying to achieve here in this series.
I love theology but I am not discussing it here. It’s not the purpose of this series and it’s not something I wish to engage in on my blog.
Please respect that.
Great post James! *CLAPPING*
Thanks Ms. Cheevious! 🙂
I believe that most hate is bred from fear. Many genuine loving Christ-followers have been told things about the LGBT community that makes them live in fear of “those people”. This is true of almost every kind of prejudice out there. For instance, I know many Christians who work tirelessly at the food bank and give generously to help poor people, many of whom are undocumented. Yet these same people become fearful and often, hateful, when told that undocumented workers are stealing their tax money or committing crimes. As Christians, we simply need to see everyone as individuals and stop being afraid that someone might infringe on our “rights”. The truth is, our only “right” is to lay down our lives in love for our fellow men. We were promised a cross when we followed Christ, not an easy life spent protecting ourselves.
Such a wise and insightful comment here Tamie, thank you so much for this. Totally agree with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
James, you and I have been on a really similar journey! And we’ve both arrived at the same place. Did you read Torn by Justin Lee? That book was so helpful to me, and his research into the scriptures was great. I felt so much sorrow that I had never thought to look up those verses in their Hebrew meanings, in context with the culture at the time. I had just accepted that my English bible was accurate. I feel as you do, that the church will slowly come to an affirming position, because it is filled with wonderful, loving people who love God and want to love others. I have to believe that we’ll get there eventually, the way we did with condemning slavery. As we look to interpret everything through “the law of love,” we’ll get there.
Right now, I’m wondering how to implement what I’ve learned. I’m looking forward to the rest of your series.
Amanda, thank you so much for sharing this comment – appreciate it so much, and totally agree with you. Good to have someone else along for the journey, and largely the response to this post from both sides has been positive and constructive. Thanks again.
How good have the LGBT community been with interacting with the church…? Surely any relationship must start from both sides?
Marc, there are many many LGBT Christians who desperately want to be part of the church, but are in fear, because they will be told “in love” part of who they are is wicked and evil and will result in eternal damnation. They fear exclusion, and many even believe God hates them. The church has to show them they’re wrong, and that God loves them and welcomes them. Otherwise they won’t even bother engaging.
God does love them but like all of us He expects us to change…do you accept that?
We’re all called to change – but our sexuality is part of how we are. You don’t choose your sexuality, and from what I know that’s pretty much scientifically proven. And the gay people I know didn’t ‘choose’ same sex attraction, some didn’t even want it. I don’t believe God calls us to change our sexuality (outside paedophilia of course, which we all know is wrong). You do, obviously. And we’ll agree to differ there. 🙂
I agree with you more than you realise. 1. We should try and love everyone. 2. Sexuality can’t be changed. God calls us to follow him this means making sacrifices. In our broken world that may mean for some followers to not follow their sexual inclinations, and there are many who do so because they feel it is right. How about some balance on the blog from a celibate gay christian and for those who (like me) have another view altogether?
Agree with you on both 1 & 2 Marc. But not the rest.
The reason there won’t be balance is firstly, because I represent and am an advocate for a particular view, and secondly, because I don’t yet know any LGBT celibate Christians (though I have seen several interviewed). I hope you understand.
So should put our beliefs aside and love blindly?
my own story is somewhat similar – I posted on it about 3 years ago – hope you don’t mind me sharing the link. I too felt that something was wrong when the traditional response led to suicide and self-harm. Also, in my own journey, God has shown such grace towards me.
I’ve also been struck by the graciousness of LGBTQ folk towards me.
https://delemares.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/my-story-2-me-and-the-gay-debate-the-backstory-of-a-blog-3/
Thank you for these comments – they resonate well with our comments we made in our blog (http://lincsparentslgbt.weebly.com/blog/how-might-the-church-welcome-the-lgbt-community). Shared conversations may appear positive initially but from recent comments (ow.ly/Q1J3W) emanating from one such conversation the objective is not to come to a decision on which path is correct but to decide if the Church can remain together.
The model which the Church may need to adopt is to engage with the LGBT+ community, and work together, show them His love. Within this engagement members of the Church, who may not agree with straight allies and those LGBT+ Christians, can see, not through academic discussions, but through practical love, that the views put by yourself and others (Matthew Vines etc) may have credence. Furthermore those currently marginalised and traumatised by the Church will be welcomed and we can worship as one.