Accepting Evangelicals, EFLGC, Open Table
In Christian circles, it is often difficult for someone who is gay to be known as such. In recent years, there has been an opening up of the debate about sexuality in some sections of the Church, yet it is still the case that lesbian and gay people often face intense difficulties within their local church. This is because many Christians believe that a homosexual way of life is condemned in certain verses of scripture and is therefore condemned by God. As a result, many lesbian and gay Christians have been forced down a path of self-hatred, which has in some cases led to loss of faith, breakdown and even suicide.
Most of us within the Fellowship have therefore had to face the challenge of reconciling our Christian faith with our sexuality. We recognise that individuals differ in many ways – for example, personality and physical build – and this same variety extends to our sexuality. Each of us is unique. We believe that God loves and values us as God has created us and understands us better than anyone.
We are encouraged by the example of Jesus, as described in the Gospels, who time and time again showed that he was the friend of the outsider – the marginalised. He reached out and touched those suffering, especially those on the fringes of society. Jesus’ behaviour now would be no different from 2000 years ago.
The important things for us are our faith as Christians and the knowledge that God loves and values us for who we are. We therefore firmly believe that there is no contradiction in being both gay and Christian.