The purpose of this study is to examine how exposure to affirming clergy reshapes LGBTQ believers' relationship with religious authority and doctrine. The research question guiding this study is: What changes occur when LGBTQ individuals are exposed to an accepting religious community and their faith leaders? This question seeks to explore how LGBTQ individuals view themselves within the context of religious teachings after being exposed to affirming clergy. It also examines how exposure to affirming clergy impacts the way they interact with those who do not identify as LGBTQ but are still committed to their religion. This is an important area for investigation because there has been limited research conducted on the effects of religious communities and the role of affirming clergy in shaping LGBTQ identities.
To answer this research question, a mixed methods approach was used. First, a survey was administered to 50 LGBTQ individuals who had experienced exposure to affirming clergy. Participants were asked about their experiences with religious authority and doctrine before and after being exposed to an affirming clergy person. Next, focus groups were held with ten participants from different denominations that were representative of the diversity found in Christianity today (e.g., Catholics, Baptists, Methodists). These participants discussed their views on religious authority and doctrine before and after encountering an affirming clergy member.
Interviews were conducted with five individuals who identified as LGBTQ and were currently attending an affirming church. All data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.
Results indicated that exposure to affirming clergy reshaped participants' relationship with religious authority and doctrine in several ways. First, it changed their views on what constituted "sin" or wrongdoing. Before being exposed to affirming clergy, most participants believed that homosexuality was a sin and something they needed to repent for. After experiencing affirming clergy, however, they began to see themselves as loved by God despite their sexual orientation. Second, it altered how they viewed the Bible and its interpretation. Prior to exposure to affirming clergy, participants tended to interpret biblical passages literally and strictly. This meant that any verses condemning homosexuality were seen as factual statements about reality rather than metaphorical language designed to convey larger truths.
Once exposed to affirming clergy, they became more open to alternative readings of scripture that did not exclude LGBTQ individuals. Third, it altered how they interacted with non-affirming members of their faith community. Participants reported feeling less judgmental towards those who disagreed with them on matters of sexuality because they had learned to view them as brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of their beliefs.
The findings from this study suggest that exposure to affirming clergy can have a significant impact on LGBTQ believers' relationship with religious authority and doctrine. By providing a positive model of what it means to be both gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/queer and Christian, affirming clergy help LGBTQ individuals understand that they are fully included within the body of Christ. As such, this research has important implications for pastoral care, theology, and church practice. It shows that affirming clergy play an essential role in helping LGBTQ individuals feel accepted and valued within their faith communities. It also challenges traditional interpretations of scripture that may marginalize or exclude certain groups of people.
It demonstrates the need for further research into the effects of religious environments on LGBTQ identities.
How does exposure to affirming clergy reshape LGBTQ believers' relationship with religious authority and doctrine?
Research indicates that exposure to affirming clergy can reshape LGBTQ believers' relationship with religious authority and doctrine by promoting greater acceptance and understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity within the context of faith communities. This exposure may also lead to increased personal growth and spiritual development as LGBTQ individuals explore their identities and beliefs in light of positive guidance from supportive religious leaders.