There are many ways that being rejected from one's religious community can negatively impact an individual's mental health, relationships, and sense of spirituality.
The unique experience of LGBT people who have been excluded from their faith communities due to their sexual orientation or gender identity makes this issue particularly complicated. This article will explore how rejection in faith communities can affect these three areas of life for LGBT individuals and what steps can be taken to mitigate those effects.
Psychological Outcomes
Experiences of social rejection can lead to negative psychological outcomes, including increased stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. For LGBT individuals, these effects may be compounded by the fact that they often do not have supportive family members or peers within their own communities who share similar experiences. Rejection from one's faith community can also create feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, which can further contribute to poor mental health.
Research has shown that experiencing discrimination based on sexual orientation is linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among LGBT youth.
When someone is excluded from a faith community due to their sexuality or gender identity, it can call into question their entire worldview and belief system. This can result in cognitive dissonance, where an individual struggles to reconcile their beliefs with their lived experiences, leading to additional distress and confusion. In some cases, this can even lead to a loss of faith altogether.
Relational Outcomes
Rejection from one's religious community can also impact interpersonal relationships. For LGBT individuals, this may mean losing connections with friends, family members, and fellow congregants who were once part of their lives. This can result in feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of belonging. It can also make it difficult for them to find new relationships, as they may feel like they are "on the outside" looking in at other people's faith communities.
Rejection from one's faith community can have ripple effects beyond just immediate relationships. It can cause an individual to lose trust in institutions and authority figures, making it harder for them to form meaningful connections with others. It can also limit access to resources and support networks that might otherwise be available through religious organizations.
Spiritual Outcomes
Being rejected from a faith community can also have significant spiritual consequences. For many LGBT individuals, religion is an integral part of their lives, providing a sense of connection to something greater than themselves and a framework for understanding the world around them. When they are excluded from that community, they may struggle to find other sources of spiritual nourishment or guidance. They may also question the validity of their belief system, leading to further disillusionment and disconnection.
Rejection from one's faith community can lead to a sense of alienation from God or a higher power. Many religions teach that all humans are created in God's image, and rejecting someone based on sexual orientation or gender identity goes against that principle. This can create a deep sense of betrayal and hurt that takes time and effort to heal.
Steps Toward Healing
Despite these negative impacts, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate some of the harm caused by social rejection. One important step is to seek out supportive, affirming communities within and outside of one's religious tradition. This could involve joining inclusive churches or congregations or seeking counseling or therapy with professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by LGBT individuals.
Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling can help individuals process their experiences and work through any related emotions.
It is also important for friends, family members, and fellow congregants to provide support and acceptance to those who have been rejected from their religious communities. By creating safe spaces for open conversation and listening without judgment, it becomes easier for individuals to share their experiences and begin healing.
Advocacy organizations like PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) can connect LGBT individuals with resources and support networks to help them navigate this difficult time.
Being excluded from one's faith community due to sexual orientation or gender identity can have far-reaching psychological, relational, and spiritual consequences. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and a loss of trust in institutions and authority figures.
With support and understanding, LGBT individuals can find ways to heal and move forward in a way that honors their authentic selves and belief systems.
How do experiences of social rejection in faith communities influence long-term psychological, relational, and spiritual outcomes for LGBT individuals?
The experiences of social rejection in faith communities can have significant and long-lasting impact on the psychological, relational, and spiritual wellbeing of LGBT individuals (Johnson et al. , 2018).