A gay-friendly church accepts and supports homosexual behavior, may have support groups and bless same-sex weddings. Most religions condemn homosexuality, but some denominations reject anti-homosexual teachings. Gay-friendly churches offer typical religious services and may have openly gay clergy. Some denominations are more likely to have gay-friendly churches, while others are rare. Finding a gay-friendly church can be done through an internet search.
A gay-friendly church is a religious institution that condones homosexual behavior or treats it as similar to heterosexual behavior. Gay-friendly churches may have special support groups for gay and lesbian members, may bless gay weddings or commitment ceremonies, and generally espouse a doctrine of acceptance of same-sex behavior. While rare in many religions, some specific denominations have adopted a largely gay-friendly stance, which often deviates from traditional teachings on homosexuality.
Most of the world’s religions express a fairly doctrinally negative view of homosexuality. The Bible, Torah, and Quran all have specific warnings against homosexual behavior, condemning it as sinful, evil, or unnatural. Supported by these texts, modern religious leaders frequently affirm a rejection of homosexuality, even within the confines of a monogamous relationship. A gay-friendly church may be associated with religions that have anti-homosexual doctrine, but choose to reject these beliefs as archaic or misunderstood.
A gay-friendly church is still, at heart, a church, so much of its activity will be similar to that of any other parish. Gay-friendly churches hold weekly church services, celebrate religious holidays, perform ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings, and provide spiritual counseling to parishioners. If a church describes itself as “gay friendly,” it may simply state that an anti-homosexuality doctrine will not be taught in the church and that gay members should not fear ostracism for their sexual orientation. Other churches can equip themselves more comprehensively to provide religious support and assistance to gay and lesbian members, such as by organizing religious commitment ceremonies, helping gay couples adopt, and providing support groups geared towards gay interests.
A feature of many gay-friendly churches is the presence of an openly gay minister or religious official. If the church belongs to a denomination where clerical celibacy is required, this requirement may still apply, even to openly gay clergy members. In churches where marriage is permitted for clergy, however, many gay-friendly parishes welcome ministers with same-sex partners or spouses.
Some denominations are more likely to include a gay-friendly church than others. For example, in Christianity, the Anglican church, the United Church of Christ, and some Lutheran parishes have gay-friendly churches and renounce anti-homosexual teachings. In Judaism, Reformed churches are more likely to welcome gay parishioners and rabbis. Gay-friendly churches in Islam are extremely rare. Finding a gay-friendly church in a specific region or city can easily be accomplished through an Internet search, as many of these organizations prominently list their state.
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