Faith Positions

Filed under: Religion & Faith

Religion has been a source of both solace and suffering for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. For while most LGBTQ Americans have been raised in an organized religion — and many continue to cherish their faith community — too many have been forced to leave those communities behind because of condemnation of LGBTQ people. And yet in recent years, a growing number of organized religious groups in the United States have issued statements officially welcoming LGBTQ people as members. Many religious organizations also have taken supportive stands on the issues that affect LGBTQ people in America, such as the fight for freedom from discrimination, the solemnizing of same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy.

Click on a faith tradition below for an overview of their position on LGBTQ people and the issues that affect them.

We are currently in the process of updating these resources. Updated content is denoted by "[updated]."

Please note that this list is not comprehensive. There are LGBTQ people of faith in a number of religions not listed here including Sikhism, Native American religions and others. There also are many LGBTQ people who practice forms of spirituality found outside organized religion. We are working to expand this section to represent as many religious and spiritual experiences as possible. Please send any suggestions you have.

Buddhism

Christianity

Hinduism

Humanism

Islam

Judaism