Faith, Love, and Authenticity: A Christian Embrace of LGBTQIA+ Identities

Introduction: A Journey Toward Reconciliation

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals who grew up in Christian communities, the journey of reconciling faith and identity can be painful, confusing, and often deeply isolating. Many have been told that their love is sinful, that their identity is incompatible with Christianity, or that they must choose between being true to themselves and remaining faithful to God.

But what if these teachings were misinterpretations rather than divine mandates? What if

God never intended for LGBTQIA+ people to be excluded?

As an ordainted minister in the Old-Catholic Church (OCC), I believe that Scripture, theology, and tradition—when viewed through a Christ-centered lens—affirm love, dignity, and inclusion. This blog seeks to offer theological reflections, historical insights, and pastoral encouragement to those who long to embrace both their faith and their identity.

Biblical Interpretation: Reading with Love and Context

Many LGBTQIA+ Christians have heard the so-called “clobber passages”—the small handful of Bible verses often used to condemn same-sex relationships or gender diversity. These passages, found in Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, are frequently cited by those who oppose LGBTQIA+ inclusion. But biblical scholars and theologians have long argued that these texts are deeply contextual and have been misapplied.

Old Testament Context: Laws for an Ancient People

The book of Leviticus contains many laws that Christians no longer follow—such as prohibitions against eating shellfish (Leviticus 11:10) or wearing blended fabrics (Leviticus 19:19). These laws were part of the ancient Jewish Holiness Code, which set Israel apart from surrounding nations.

But in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles repeatedly moved beyond the strict application of Jewish law. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision that overturns dietary restrictions, emphasizing that God’s love is not bound by old legal codes. As New Testament scholar Matthew Vines notes, “The church has a long history of reevaluating biblical teachings in light of new understandings of culture, history, and human nature” (Vines, 2014).

Paul’s Letters: Condemnation of Excess, Not Love

Paul’s writings are often cited to condemn same-sex relationships, but a closer reading reveals that he was speaking against exploitative and abusive sexual practices—not loving, monogamous relationships. In Romans 1:26-27, Paul describes men and women engaging in "unnatural" acts. But in the ancient Roman world, same-sex behavior was often associated with excess, exploitation, and idolatry (Loader, 2012).

Scholar James Brownson argues that Paul's focus was not on mutual, committed relationships but on excessive lust and domination—practices far removed from the loving, Christ-centered partnerships we see today (Brownson, 2013).

Jesus’ Radical Inclusion: The Heart of the Gospel

One of the most profound truths of Christianity is that Jesus never condemned LGBTQIA+ people. In fact, Jesus never spoke about same-sex relationships or gender identity at all. Instead, His ministry was defined by radical inclusion—welcoming those whom society had rejected, breaking social barriers, and prioritizing love over legalism.

The Eunuchs: Biblical Affirmation of Gender Diversity

In Matthew 19:12, Jesus acknowledges that some people are “born eunuchs.” In the ancient world, eunuchs were often gender-nonconforming—individuals who did not fit into traditional male/female categories. Biblical scholar Austen Hartke argues that this passage offers a scriptural basis for the inclusion of transgender and nonbinary individuals (Hartke, 2018).

Additionally, in Acts 8, Philip baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch, a figure who existed outside traditional gender roles. Instead of questioning or rejecting him, Philip welcomes him into the faith without hesitation.

The Greatest Commandment: Love Above All

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He responded:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

If love is the foundation of Christian ethics, how can we justify condemning LGBTQIA+ individuals who love deeply, commit faithfully, and seek God with sincerity?

Church History: Inclusion is Not a Modern Idea

Some argue that LGBTQIA+ inclusion is a modern innovation, but history tells a different story.

Same-Sex Unions in Early Christianity: Historian John Boswell found evidence of liturgical blessings of same-sex relationships in the early church (Boswell, 1994). Some saints, such as Sergius and Bacchus, were venerated as having a deep, possibly romantic bond.
Old-Catholic and Protestant Affirmation: The Old-Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church now fully affirm LGBTQIA+ clergy and marriage, continuing a long tradition of theological reflection and reform (Utrecht Union, 2023).

Healing from Spiritual Abuse: Embracing God’s Love

For those who have experienced rejection, spiritual abuse, or trauma at the hands of the church, healing is a sacred and necessary journey. God does not desire for you to live in shame or fear.

Steps Toward Healing:

Find an Affirming Community – Seek out an LGBTQIA+ inclusive church, such as those in the Q Christian Fellowship or the Reformation Project.
Reclaim Scripture – Read works by affirming theologians, such as Justin Lee’s Torn or Matthew Vines’ God and the Gay Christian.
Practice Self-Compassion – Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). God delights in you exactly as you are.

Conclusion: You Are Loved, You Are Sacred

To my LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ: you are not an outsider in God’s kingdom. You are loved, cherished, and intentionally created. Your faith and your identity are not at odds—rather, they are both integral parts of who you are.

As the Old-Catholic Church and many others continue to work for full inclusion, let us remember the heart of the Gospel:

Love one another, as I have loved you. (John 13:34)

And that love—divine, boundless, and all-embracing—includes you.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Boswell, J. (1994). Same-sex unions in premodern Europe. Vintage Books.

Brownson, J. (2013). Bible, gender, sexuality: Reframing the church's debate on same-sex relationships. Eerdmans.

Hartke, A. (2018). Transforming: The Bible and the lives of transgender Christians. Westminster John Knox Press.

Loader, W. (2012). The New Testament on sexuality. Eerdmans.

Utrecht Union. (2023). Old-Catholic Church and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Retrieved from https://www.utrechter-union.org

Vines, M. (2014). God and the gay Christian: The biblical case in support of same-sex relationships. Convergent Books.