Same-Sex Blessings: A Systematic-Theological Rationale
(pdf)

Recognizing and celebrating non-heterosexual marriage unfortunately remains a challenge for many Christian individuals and groups today. In this study, Paul Jennings shows how same-gender marriage is well within the Biblical vision of covenantal love, and how Christians betray that Biblical vision of love in failing to recognize and support marriage equality.

Dr. James Brownson on Marriage Equality

In this video, Dr. James Brownson, professor of New Testament studies and author of Bible, Gender, Sexuality, explores the history of Christian churches’ condemnation of same-gender marriages and the supposed scriptural backing for those positions. Brownson shows how the Bible does not support such anti-LGBTQ+ positions on marriage, and instead calls Christians towards an inclusive embrace of marriage equality.

The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage
(book)

Mark Achtemeier was not always a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Indeed, he has in the past been a vocal opponent of those rights and, specifically, marriage equality. In this book, Achtemeier leads his reader through the theological reflections and studies through which he recognized those stances as erroneous, and instead came to recognize the Bible’s loving support for same-gender marriage.

Seven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality
(pdf)

In the Christian Bible, comprising well over 30,000 verses, there are seven passages that reference same-sex activity and which have been used to vilify and condemn LGBTQ+ individuals. In this Biblical study, Robert K. Gnuse examines each of these passages, showing how modern Christians misunderstand their meaning when using them to condemn homosexuality or other LGBTQ+ sexual identities. Gnuse reveals how the Bible’s few passages that do reference same-sex activity do not condemn, or even speak about, any of the LGBTQ+ issues we face today.

A Biblical Basis for Inclusion: A Pastor’s Journey
(pdf)

Having grown up rooted in the importance of scriptural authority, Pastor Irv Heishman found himself drawn towards compassion and acceptance with respect to LGBTQ+ issues, but uncertain about the Biblical basis for such inclusion. During a sabbatical period, Heishman dove into studies on this question, and this booklet was one result. Here, Heishman presents a clear Biblical basis for inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ folk, focusing particularly on accounts of Peter and Paul in the Book of Acts. This booklet was published in 2016 by On Earth Peace.

God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships
(book)

When Matthew Vines realized he was gay, he was faced with the collision of his understanding of the Bible and God’s presence in his life, and the teachings he’d received that the Bible supposedly condemned homosexuality. Embarking on a journey of theological and Biblical studies, Vines wrote this book to offer a clear, approachable, and deeply researched understanding of the Bible’s support for non-heterosexual relationships.

Affirmation Guide: Trans and Gender-Expansive Identities
(pdf)

The Q Christian Fellowship is an ecumenical group that cultivates radical belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians and allies. In this Affirmation Guide, Taj Smith “dives into the Scriptural, theological, and relational affirmation of trans people.” In outlining the vital necessity for radical inclusion of trans people, Smith explores the Biblical foundation for such welcome, in part through debunking the notion that scripture conflicts with the realities of trans experiences.

transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians
(book)

In this book, Austen Hartke brings together Biblical analysis and the lived experiences of transgender Christians today to offer the reader a “biblically based, educational, and affirming resources to shed light and wisdom on the modern gender landscape.” Hartke shows how scripture calls us towards an inclusive Christianity, including through honoring and affirming the lives of transgender folk.

Changing Our Mind: Definitive 3rd Edition of the Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBTQ Christians with Response to Critics
(book)

Dr. David Gushee has been called a leading Christian ethicist today, and in this book, Gushee turns towards the misguided condemnation and contempt that persists among Christian circles for LGBTQ+ individuals. Gushee provides a hopeful call to return to the love at the heart of Christian faith, to embrace and support LGBTQ+ individuals and rights. With clarity and compassion, Gushee walks his reader through Biblical and traditional sources, showing how anti-LGBTQ+ contempt is far astray of a Biblical or Christian foundation and offering instead a Biblically grounded vision of inclusion.

Revisiting 1983 – Can CoB ministers perform same-gender weddings?

In this video presentation, Matt Rittle—pastor at the Arlington Church of the Brethren in Virginia—shares his study of Church of the Brethren polity around the question of sexuality and Brethren ministers officiating same-gender weddings. Rittle examines a variety of Brethren policies and Annual Conference statements, including the pivotal 1983 Annual Conference statement, “Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective.” Rittle reveals how current Brethren polity is clearly in support of ministers who recognize and officiate same-gender weddings.

Supportive Communities Network of Open and Affirming Churches

The Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests has organized this directory of Brethren and Mennonite churches that are publicly affirming of LGBTQ+ members. This includes many congregations within the Pacific Northwest District Church of the Brethren, as well as other Brethren and Mennonite congregations throughout North America. The Supportive Communities Network homepage has additional information about this program, as well as information about new churches exploring this call, if your congregation is considering joining the network.