Struggling in Good Faith: Twelve American Religious Traditions and Their Perspectives on Lgbtqi Inclusion

We are at a critical turning point in American religious and political life over LGBTQI inclusion. How each spiritual community approaches the question will profoundly impact the American political and social climate of the future. Which religious communities are making strides toward LGBTQI inclusion? Which are at the point of internal division over this contentious issue? Where is there flexibility and where are doors slammed shut? This easily accessible sourcebook explores twelve faith traditions that wrestle with LGBTQI inclusion, documenting the challenges and transformation of American religion. Contributors-LGBTQI and allied activists, scholars and clergy-write from an inside perspective about their communities, addressing the ways in which LGBTQI inclusion is being consciously constructed or denied, how their faith’s teachings have been traditionally interpreted, and what textual or authoritative changes have taken place to integrate LGBTQI people into their communities. Faith traditions covered: Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Seventh-day Adventist, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American. For lay readers, clergy and secular leaders and professionals striving to become more inclusive, STRUGGLING IN GOOD FAITH offers hope for change, hope for compassion and hope for civil discourse.