There has been increased discussion among religious communities about how best to support LGBT+ individuals who seek healing from shame related to their identity or sexual orientation. One potential solution is for churches to adapt traditional rituals of confession and absolution to better serve these members. This essay will explore what these rituals are, why they may be beneficial to LGBT+ people seeking healing, and how they can be modified to meet the needs of this community.
What Are Confession and Absolution?
Confession and absolution refer to a practice found in many religions where an individual admits their wrongdoing to God or another authority figure, and receives forgiveness through a process of reconciliation. In Catholicism, for example, this involves going to a priest and making a list of sins before receiving absolution. It is based on the idea that humans cannot fully forgive themselves, but rather need divine intervention to achieve spiritual growth and redemption.
Why Would These Rituals Be Beneficial To LGBT+ People Seeking Healing From Shame?
For LGBT+ individuals who have experienced shame or guilt related to their sexuality, these rituals could provide a powerful opportunity for healing. By acknowledging their struggles and opening up about them to someone else, they might find relief from the burden of secrecy and isolation. The act of confessing can help them release negative emotions and begin to move forward with a clearer conscience.
The act of receiving forgiveness can help them feel loved and accepted by others, which can counteract feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing.
How Can These Rituals Be Adapted For LGBT+ Individuals?
One way churches could adapt these rituals would be to allow more open discussions around LGBT+ identity and sexual orientation. This could include explicitly mentioning same-sex attraction as something that is not inherently sinful, and encouraging members to speak freely about any struggles they are facing. Another approach would be to focus on the individual's overall journey towards wholeness, rather than focusing exclusively on specific acts or behaviors.
Churches could consider offering support groups or counseling resources specifically designed for LGBT+ believers seeking healing from shame.
It may be helpful to incorporate language in confession and absolution rites that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by this community, such as rejection from family and peers due to their sexuality.
How can affirming rituals of confession and absolution be adapted to support LGBT believers healing from shame?
Affirming rituals of confession and absolution can be adapted by LGBT believers to support their healing from shame through focusing on their personal faith journey and spiritual growth rather than on specific sexual behaviors. This approach involves redefining the traditional concept of sin as a reflection of one's own personal choices and values, rather than simply adherence to religious norms or social expectations.