Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons^™

7 Things Churches Can Do To Make Queer People Feel Welcome, Erin E. Duran, Christin N. Taylor

Center for Public Service Research

For as long as I can remember, the church, for me, has been a place characterized by shame and hurt. I remember Christian high school friends telling me that I would go to hell for being Queer. I remember hearing sermons from televangelists about the evils of homosexuality, and church leaders pressuring youth leaders to cast out their Queer members. I've heard more talk of "love the sinner, hate the sin," and "God didn't make gay," than anyone should, and I've even received personalized hate mail declaring that "God hates dykes." [excerpt]