Queer embodiment is a term used to describe the ways that people experience their identities and bodies within the context of social norms and expectations related to gender and sexuality. In Christian theology, this can have significant implications for how the church understands and practices sacraments and rituals. Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, and they serve to mediate God's presence in the world through physical action. Ritual practice has long been a part of religious life, and it often involves physical movement, sensory experiences, and symbolic gestures. When these elements are shaped around heteronormative models of embodiment, they may exclude queer individuals who do not fit neatly into binary categories of male/female or straight/gay.
Theological reflection that takes into account queer embodiment offers new insights into the nature of divine love and human relationships. This article will explore some of the ways that queer embodiment informs theological reflection on sacramental and ritual practice.
Implications for Sacramental Practice
Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, meaning that they symbolize an internal spiritual reality that is experienced by those who participate in them. The most common sacraments in Christian churches are baptism, communion (also known as Eucharist), confirmation, marriage, ordination, and anointing of the sick. These ceremonies typically involve physical actions such as dipping a person in water, consuming bread and wine, laying hands on someone's head, exchanging vows, or anointing with oil. In each case, there are specific steps that must be followed, and participants must adhere to certain expectations about how their bodies should move, speak, and interact with others during the ceremony. Traditional liturgical practices have often assumed that all participants are cisgendered, heterosexual, and able-bodied, but this can leave queer individuals feeling excluded or marginalized.
Many transgender people feel uncomfortable being baptized with water while using the pronouns associated with their birth sex. Similarly, same-sex couples may not feel comfortable with the words used in traditional wedding ceremonies, which assume heteronormative gender roles.
Queering Baptism
Baptism is the rite of initiation into the church and is seen as necessary for salvation in some denominations. It involves immersing oneself in water or having it poured over one's body, symbolizing death to sin and rebirth in Christ. This ritual has been performed since the early days of the church, but its meaning has changed throughout history due to cultural shifts and theological developments. One way to make this sacrament more inclusive of queer embodiment is to allow for fluidity in gender expression during the ceremony. Instead of referring to God as "Father" or "Mother," language could be gender neutral, such as "Creator." The person administering the baptism could also use nonbinary pronouns when addressing the baptizee. In addition, clothes could be worn that reflect the individual's chosen gender identity, rather than requiring men to wear suits and women to wear dresses. These changes would make the sacrament more accessible to those who do not identify exclusively as male or female, or who have transitioned from one gender to another.
Queering Communion
Communion (also known as Eucharist) is a ritual meal where Christians share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Participants are expected to line up in orderly rows and take turns consuming the elements, typically in a specific sequence. Many churches require participants to kneel at the altar rail and receive communion with their mouths closed, which can exclude those with physical disabilities or mobility issues. Some queer individuals may also feel uncomfortable receiving communion while wearing clothing that conforms to gender norms. To make this sacrament more welcoming to all, churches could allow for flexible seating arrangements and let people consume the elements however they choose (i.e., by hand, tongue, lips, etc.). They could also provide gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Using inclusive language in the service would help people feel comfortable participating regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Implications for Ritual Practice
Rituals involve repeated actions that have symbolic meaning within a religious context. Examples include processions, prayers, blessings, and other forms of devotion. Historically, these practices have been rooted in traditional gender roles and binary conceptions of sex/gender.
Queer embodiment challenges these assumptions and offers new insights into the nature of divine love and human relationships.
Many same-sex couples see God as a loving parent who supports them in their partnership, rather than condemning it. This perspective is reflected in rituals such as the "blessing of same-sex unions" and "civil union ceremonies." These events celebrate the commitment between two people and recognize their spiritual connection to one another and to God. In addition, some denominations are now recognizing same-sex marriage as valid in church law, which has significant implications for how queer individuals experience religious life.
Queering Marriage Ceremonies
Marriage is often seen as a sacred covenant between a man and woman who vow to remain faithful until death do them part. This understanding can exclude same-sex couples who cannot marry legally in most states due to discriminatory laws.
Some churches have begun performing ceremonies that recognize their relationship as valid before God. These services may include elements from both heteronormative weddings (vows, rings) and LGBTQ+ ceremonies (unity candles, handfasting). They also typically use inclusive language throughout, acknowledging the couple's mutual commitment and love regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Some denominations have even gone so far as to ordain openly gay clergy members, allowing them to officiate at same-sex marriages. This shift towards greater acceptance of queer embodiment in sacramental and ritual practice shows that theology is evolving alongside social change.
How does queer embodiment inform theological reflection on sacramental and ritual practice?
Queer embodiment involves understanding one's gender identity and sexual orientation as fluid and complex, rather than static and fixed. It challenges traditional binary categories of male/female and heterosexual/homosexual and emphasizes the importance of recognizing multiple identities within individuals.