by Abigail Ayers, Associate Archivist
The LGBTQ+ community has been part of the official proceedings of the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since 1977. That year, four resolutions were presented to the General Assembly regarding the status of LGBTQ+ Christians within the church. These resolutions were:
- 7744 “Resolution Concerning Ordination of Homosexuals”
- 7747 “Resolution Concerning Civil Liberties of Homosexual Persons”
- 7750 “A Study Document of Homosexuality and the Church”
- 7760 “Concerning Homosexuality as an Alternative Lifestyle”
These resolutions laid the groundwork for the church’s ongoing dialogue and reflection over the next four decades. The church’s initial response emphasized that the topic of LGBTQ+ Christians necessitated a close examination of Scripture, church-wide education about the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a beginning point of respect for LGBTQ+ individuals as part of God’s creation.
The study document 7750 was particularly significant, resulting from a committee of leaders who studied both Scripture and the LGBTQ+ community. It stated: “The church can affirm that God’s grace does not exclude persons of differing lifestyles or sexual preferences, nor does the church which is enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Homosexuals may be included in the fellowship and membership of the community of faith where they are to love and be loved and where their gifts of ministry are to be welcomed.”
The committee acknowledged that this issue would require time, education, and meditation before broad acceptance and adaptation could be reached within the church.
In 1979, Resolution 7952, “Report and Recommendations of the Task Force in the Ministry Concerning Referred Resolution No. 7744,” was presented. It resulted from Resolution 7744 being sent back to the committee for further review. Resolution 7952 concluded that the committee was not convinced that ordaining individuals who engage in “homosexual practices” aligned with God’s will for the Church. It also emphasized that the regions were responsible for judging the requirements for ordination, considering religious declarations and the individual’s mental and physical well-being.
The 1980s saw only one resolution pertaining to the topic : Resolution 8727, “Resolution Concerning the Bible’s Teaching on Homosexuality,” which sought to declare homosexuality as a sin and an unacceptable lifestyle for Christians. It was not adopted by the General Assembly.Its rejection indicated the Assembly’s continued discomfort in taking a definitive stance on homosexuality, and perhaps especially a negative stance.
The 1990s marked a significant shift in the General Assembly’s stance on the topic of sexuality. Resolution 9141, “Concerning Homosexuals and Ministry,” in 1991, called for deliberate and intensive research on the subject instead of a simple yes/no vote. This followed the rise of the AIDS crisis, which had served to further demonize homosexuality in mainstream culture. Resolution 9719 in 1997 called for continued research and reflection on the participation of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the Church by creating a new discernment committee, culminating in Resolution 9925 in 1999. This report described the time that the Committee spent together, which was framed as a three-day retreat to study the Bible and to learn from one another. The members of the Committee were chosen to represent broad perspectives of the church. The General Minister and President at the time, Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm, appointed two new members to the committee to participate and broaden the group’s perspectives.
In 2001, the Discernment Committee presented a proposal for the education and understanding of LGBTQ+ Christians at the General Assembly in Kansas City. They proposed a seven-step process involving worship, Bible study, sharing stories, and taking Communion. Their recommendation placed the decision of accepting LGBTQ+ Christians into leadership roles (i.e., ordination) in the hands of the regions and congregations. The report concluded: “The committee is convinced that the issue cannot be resolved by debates and votes. It believes that God is calling the church to a different way of facing issues, and that is listening to each other as a way of discerning what the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst.”
In 2005, Resolution 0514 “Denouncing Hateful Speech and Action Aimed at Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Persons, and Renewing our Commitment to the Process of Discernment” reiterated the church’s recognition of LGBTQ+ Christians as children of God and condemned violence against the community. It also recommitted to the discernment process by creating a committee of volunteers to develop a strategic plan.
All these resolutions culminated in Resolution 1327 “Becoming a People of Grace and Welcome to All,” adopted by the 2013 General Assembly. This resolution affirmed that no one should be excluded from fellowship based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance, or theological perspective. This definitive statement underscored the church’s commitment to inclusivity and acceptance.
Through decades of deliberation, discernment, and understanding, the General Assembly has made significant progress in accepting everyone, redefining “everyone” to truly mean everyone. However, work remains to be done in congregations to support, welcome, and love all who join.
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society wishes a Happy Pride Month to our LGBTQ+ siblings in Christ.
*For anyone interested in researching these General Assembly resolutions (or other ones), please feel free to contact us ([email protected]).