Links & Books

RESOURCES

Christianity and Homosexuality

The Vatican: Catechism and Homosexuality
Official Catholic teaching on a life in Christ, with sections on chastity, marriage and homosexuality.

Dignity USA: Catholicism, Homosexuality, and Dignity
Read Dignity USA's responses to some frequently asked questions about being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and Catholic.

Catholic Answers from Catholic.com
An interpretation and explanation of Catholic teaching on homosexuality.

Homosexuality and Catholicism: A Partially Annotated Bibliography
This bibliography offers an extensive list of references to discussions of homosexuality, Catholicism and Christianity.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Homosexuality
Learn more about the Mormon Church's attitude towards homosexuality.

Affirmations
Affirmations is a group supporting gay and lesbian Mormons. Click on "Learning Center" for a list of publications regarding the Mormon faith and homosexuality.

Assemblies of God Church on Homosexuality
Learn more about Kathleen Bremner's church and their views on homosexuality.

Evangelicals Concerned
Evangelicals Concerned is an Evangelical group supporting gay and lesbian Christians.

ReligiousTolerance.org: Homosexuality and Religion
Find out more about varying religious groups' policies on homosexuality in essays reflecting a diversity of viewpoints, from religious conservatives to liberals.

Hartford Institute for Religious Research: Homosexuality and Religion
Articles and research on the intersection of homosexuality and religion with links to groups that work to affirm gay religious rights and those which oppose this.

Soulforce
Soulforce is an interfaith group that challenges religious policies and teachings that disapprove of homosexuality. Of interest is "What the Bible Says -- and Doesn't Say -- about Homosexuality" (PDF).

Queer Theory: Resources
This site offers contains a lengthy, annotated list of resources and organizations serving LGBT Christians.

Of Interest

Frontline: Assault on Gay America
In "What the Bible Says," Bible scholars and religious leaders interpret and debate Scripture's references to homosexuality.

Support Organizations

The following links relate to parenting a child who is coming out, finding support for families and combating homophobia and intolerance.

From the Film

San Diego Spatula Ministries
Learn more about Kathleen Bremner's life, beliefs, and her organization, the San Diego Spatula Ministries.

Other

PFLAG
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays offers support to LGBT persons, their families and friends, public education, and advocacy to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Check out their substantial resources section.

Tolerance.org: Talk to Kids About... What Does 'Gay' Mean?
One of Tolerance.org's monthly parenting columns addresses how to convey values of tolerance and respect in the conversation about homosexuality.

Human Rights Campaign
HRC covers relationships, parenting and home life for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families.

Family Acceptance
On this thoughtful site, one family shares the story of their journey towards accepting their son as gay. They offer their perspective on questions like, "Is my child gay or confused?", Am I ashamed of my child or of myself?" and "Should I accept my child's orientation?"

"Culture Wars"

From the Film

Log Cabin Republicans
Find out more about the nation's largest gay Republican organization, with state and local chapters nationwide.

Andrew Sullivan: Here Comes the Groom
Editor and columnist Andrew Sullivan presents his "conservative case for gay marriage" on his personal blog.

General

Beliefnet: Gay Marriage
Read through articles about the debate surrounding gay marriage, gay bishops and discussions about homosexuality, morality and sexuality. In Are Gays Winning the Culture War?, the editors of Beliefnet write about the implications of the Supreme Court decision in Lawrence et al. vs. Texas.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life seeks to promote a deeper understanding of how religion shapes the ideas and institutions of American society. This page contains a report on a recent poll (July 2003) conducted by the Forum which includes attitudes about gay marriage amongst the American public.

Independent Gay Forum
This website was created by a group of gay writers, academics, attorneys, and activists who felt dissatisfied with the current level of discussion of gay-related issues. Most notable is a recent article excerpted by the Chicago Free Press called, "The Rate of Gay Progress."

History

Out of the Past
The documentary "Out of the Past" recovers facets of history that have been left out of the textbooks. This site continues the exploration begun by the film, providing glimpses of nearly 400 years of lesbian and gay history, and encourages users to share relevant stories and news from their own life and community. (1997)

Guide to the Larry Bush Papers, 1977-1984
(the Washington D.C. correspondent for The Advocate) includes subject files, clippings, reports, and articles pertaining to gay liberation, politics, rights, social and cultural issues, a nd journalism. Subjects include AIDS, the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the National Gay Task Force, and the legislative and legal aspects of gay rights; there are files on individuals, government commissions, and numerous other gay and lesbian issues.

Recent Events

United States Supreme Court: Lawrence et al. vs. Texas
On June 26, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a sweeping declaration of constitutional liberty for gay men and lesbians by overruling a Texas sodomy law.

Also on PBS and NPR

PBS.org Websites

Frontline: Assault on Gay America
This companion site to a Frontline program explores the roots of homophobia, what the Bible says, the debate over the genetics of homosexuality, and anti-gay violence. Features interviews with Reverend Jerry Falwell and John Boswell, author of Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality. (2000)

Out of the Past
The documentary "Out of the Past" recovers facets of our history that have been left out of the textbooks. This site continues the exploration begun by the film, providing glimpses of nearly 400 years of lesbian and gay history, and encourages users to share relevant stories and news from their own life and community. (1997)

Online Newshour: The Church's Choice
This report explores the controversy surrounding the nomination of the first openly gay bishop, the Reverend V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, which sparked a debate over homosexuality in the Episcopal Church--even prompting threats of schism in the church. Features links to previous Online Newshour reports on gay marriage, the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Texas's sodomy law, the Boy Scouts' policy on gay scout leaders, and the Republican stance on homosexuality. (Aug. 1, 2003)

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly: Gay Priests
Reporter Judy Valente interviews a gay priest about the current pedophilia scandal in the American Catholic Church and the stance of the Church on gay and lesbian Catholics. (Apr. 5, 2002)

Independent Lens: Daddy & Papa
Visit the companion site to Daddy & Papa which explores the struggles, challenges and triumphs of gay fathers and their children. (2003)

Think Tank: Is This the Gay 90s?
Gay men and women have made many strides towards legal, political, and social acceptance in America over the last three decades. What are the ramifications? Is this a good thing? (November 1997)

NPR Stories

NPR: Slate's Explainer: Gays and Religion
With the ratification of the first gay bishop in the Episcopal church, Slate editor Andy Bowers examines how other religions deal with gay clergy. (August 6, 2003)

NPR All Things Considered: White House Sends Mixed Signals to Gay Community
NPR's Mara Liasson reports on the conflicting signals sent by the Bush administration towards gays and lesbians. On the one hand, the President talks about family values and pushes a conservative agenda; on the other, leading Republicans and White House officials have reached out to homosexual groups. Is this a case of deft political balancing? Or is it something that ultimately will alienate both sides? (June 12, 2003)