A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Religious Institute's new study of progressive clergy and their attitudes and actions about a broad range of sexuality issues, including LGBT full inclusion. You may remember that I also wrote a Huffington Post piece on whether clergy will lead the way to justice on these issues.
A new study, released by my colleague Dr. Robby Jones this morning, found that the majority of senior ministers from mainstream Protestant denominations also support justice for LGBT persons. Two thirds support hate crimes and workplace anti-discrimination legislation and more than half support the right of gay couples to adopt children. 65% of these clergy support either marriage or civil unions for same sex couples.
Surprised? I'm not because these are some of the ministers I work with every week, who struggle between wanting to welcome all people and believing that sexuality issues may be "too hot to handle". My colleague Rev. Steve Clapp in his publications has called them "silent friends."
Today's survey release, and the work we do every day with clergy from more than 50 faith traditions, should put to rest the myth that people of faith are opposed to gay and lesbian rights. But they also point out that more must be done to help clergy and people of faith who are supportive do more to speak out for LGBT equality.
Our voices as people of faith and as religious leaders are making a difference in struggles within our denominations and in society at large. We need to help those among us yet to speak up -- but who support full inclusion -- to do so.
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Surprised? I'm not because these are some of the ministers I work with every week, who struggle between wanting to welcome all people and believing that sexuality issues may be "too hot to handle". My colleague Rev. Steve Clapp in his publications has called them "silent friends."And I'm not surprised by that. I run a monthly support/discussion group on sexuality and spirituality, and also get emails from folks who see the publicity for it and have questions or concerns.
Why so many emails? Because, as so many have pointed out, they're not sure their congregations are safe spaces to ask those questions. They're not sure they can get the support and advice they need from their own clergy.
I think if more clergy spoke up honestly and compassionately about sexuality, they would be surprised by the responses they'd get.
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