Resources
Countless numbers of books, articles and other resources are available for people interested in learning more about the biblical mandate for the inclusion of LGBT people in the church. We’ve tried to highlight ones with a specifically Reformed perspective. If you would like to suggest a resource, please email us at resources@roomforall.com
A comprehensive list of resources is available at The Institute for Welcoming Resources.
We also have a Preaching Helps section for preachers with example sermons and sermon resources for preaching on the issue of inclusion.
Rev. Bruce Cornwell, pastor at Community Reformed Church in Colonie, NY, has researched and prepared a series of Bible studies on several key biblical texts, available for download: Bible Studies by Rev. Bruce Cornwell
A 24-page booklet by Dr. Mel White, “What the Bible Says – and Doesn’t Say – About Homosexuality” is available.
The Human Rights Campaign offers Out In Scripture a weekly conversation on the scripture lessons of the Revised Common Lectionary.
Rev. Norman Kansfield’s March 2011 letter to the President and Trustees of Hope College is here: Norman Kansfield’s letter to Hope College president & trustees March 2011
Rev. Daniel Meeter offers a short essay titled ”Gay Folks and Dort” which examines LGBT inclusion in light of the RCA’s doctrinal standards.
What God Has Joined Together? : A Christian Case for Gay Marriage by David G. Myers, Letha Dawson Scanzoni.
Additional information about this book, including excerpts and interviews can be found on Professor Myers’ website.
Dr. Myers also wrote an excellent article in Reformed Review titled “Another Christian Perspective on Homosexuality and the Church.
Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? A Positive Christian Response by Letha Dawson Scanzoni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott.
Virginia Ramey Mollenkott is interviewed in the August 2003 issue of Perspectives, a Journal of Reformed Thought.
Rev. Norman Kolenbrander’s article “Opening the Door” in Perspectives a Journal of Reformed Thought.
Lovely Are The Messengers a novel about friendship, ministry and religious hatred. It is written by RCA pastor Daniel Plasman.
The Church and the Homosexual by John J McNeill. He has also written: Taking A Chance On God and Freedom, Glorious Freedom.
A Time to Seek: Study Guide on Sexual and Gender Diversity offers a concise review of current sociological, public health and scientific data regarding sexual orientation and gender. It also considers key Scriptural passages in light of contemporary understandings of sexual and gender diversity. The guide is designed for individual or group study, with discussion questions aimed at specific religious concerns, such as the interpretation of Scripture, the role of LGBT persons in faith communities, and the recognition of same-sex unions.
A Place in God’s Heart/A Place and Christ’s Table is a collection of worship materials for the Welcoming Church Movement.
Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and Their Implications for Today by L. William Countryman.
Fish Can’t Fly a film that explores the concept of changing ones’ sexual orientation and the lives of gay men and women of faith as they recall their journeys to put their sexuality and spirituality in harmony.
In the fall of 2010, an RCA pastor contacted several colleagues for help with a pastoral response to a family in his parish. He received several suggestions. That list included some of the items already listed; however, here are several more recommended by RCA pastors and friends:
Uncommon Calling – by Chris Glaser.
Same Sex Relationships – a study guide prepared by the UCC.
Curoe, Carol and Robert, editors: Are There Closets in Heaven?: A Catholic Father and Lesbian Daughter Share Their Story [Minneapolis, MN: Syren Book Company, 2007; 196 pp., ISBN 978-0-929636-79-5].
Gold, Mitchell, and Mindy Drucker: Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America [Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group, 2008; 416 pp., ISBN 1929774109].
Tigert, Leanne McCall, and Timothy Brown, editors: Coming Out Young and Faithful [Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2001; 148pp., ISBN 0829814140].
One pastor writes: “Although it’s not specifically a parent book, (consider) Jack Rogers’ book Jesus, The Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church. The author, a straight Presbyterian Professor of Theology, deals with his journey of how he changed his mind about homosexuality being a sin.” A free downloadable study guide is available, as well. Dr. Rogers’ website also contains a list of good LGBT resources, www.drjackrogers.com
VIDEOS: “For the Bible Tells Me So,” which tells the stories of several Christian families’ journey with a gay and lesbian family member. There is now a downloadable study guide available for purchase along with the video – go to www.forthebibletellsmeso.org. Another video: “Seven Passages” is a dramatic presentation of actual interviews with 25 LGBT persons, and springs from seven of the biblical texts that are often lifted up as evidence that the Bible denounces homosexuality. The video, and a downloadable study guide, are available from www.actorstheatergrandrapids.com . And a third video, an award-winning documentary, “Out in the Silence” has been aired on public television and other venues. Details about the video and purchasing info is available at wpsu.org/outinthesilence. A free study guide and other publicity materials are available for free downloads.
A newly available video for free download is highly recommended: “Lead with Love” is a 35-minute film for parents of gay children. It is honest, straightforward, inspiring, and includes reference to biblical or theological concerns. It’s a free download at www.leadwithlovefilm.com