Faith & Sexuality: Reconciling LGBT+ People and Christianity.

By Shane St. Reynolds

"Faith & Sexuality: Reconciling LGBT+ People and Christianity" is a valuable resource for those struggling to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. This book by Shane St Reynolds provides guidance and support to individuals seeking a more authentic and fulfilling spiritual practice. It explores the intersection of LGBT+ spirituality with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and class.

Throughout the book, Shane shares stories of other LGBT+ Christians who have found ways to embrace both aspects of their identity, offering hope and inspiration to readers. The book also provides tools and resources for those seeking to create a more authentic and fulfilling spiritual practice, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to reconcile their faith with their sexuality.

Shane emphasizes that embracing both spirituality and sexuality can lead to a deeper sense of self-awareness, connection, and purpose in life. The book addresses the challenges that come with reconciling Christianity and sexuality, offering guidance and support to those who may feel lost or alone in their spiritual journey.

Furthermore, "Faith & Sexuality" is also an autobiographical account of Shane's journey to Jesus and discerning his calling to ordained ministry. It provides a unique and personal perspective on the challenges that LGBT+ individuals face when reconciling their faith and sexuality.

Overall, "Faith & Sexuality" is a must-read resource for LGBT+ individuals seeking to reconcile their faith and sexuality and create a more authentic and fulfilling spiritual practice. Shane's book amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, offering valuable guidance and support to anyone looking to embrace both aspects of their identity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: May 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781489747648

Shane St. Reynolds

Born in Australia, Shane St. Reynolds found inspiration in influential figures like Louise Hay and Bob Proctor. His life, however, wasn't without hardship. He bravely overcame depression and addiction after facing profound challenges, including the loss of his best friend in Afghanistan and the devastating suicide of his life partner. A pivotal moment arrived in 2018. While in Peru, Shane witnessed a powerful vision of an angel in the sky above the Cristo Blanco statue. This experience, coupled with a transformative dream where he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon him in St. Paul's Cathedral, solidified his calling to Christianity. Shane's faith journey wasn't without its challenges, particularly reconciling his faith with his sexuality. He has openly addressed these struggles in his writings and has become a vocal advocate for LGBTI+ rights within the Church. Shane's written work is prolific, encompassing both Christian theology and financial literacy. He further solidified his calling by earning licensure from the Metropolitan Community Church. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue further education at Oxford, focusing on leadership, followed by additional degrees in theology and business in Australia. Through his powerful storytelling, he lays bare his experiences, a raw and genuine testament that ignites a fire in the hearts of those seeking faith.

Book preview

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Reconciling LGBT+ People and Christianity.

Faith

& Sexuality

SHANE ST. REYNOLDS

Copyright © 2023 Shane St. Reynolds.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical,

including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written

permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do

not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of

the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-4897-4763-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-4764-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023908906

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 05/18/2023

"The Church must welcome with open arms all people, regardless of their sexual

orientation, and accompany them with mercy and compassion" – Pope Francis

"I want to take this opportunity to say how sorry I am for the hurt and pain that the church

has caused LGBTI+ people in the past and continues to do so. I am sorry that there are those

within the church who continue to be hostile towards you and question your integrity as a

human being and a child of God" - Bishop of Liverpool, Paul Bayes, Church of England.

"I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about

this. I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean,

I would much rather go to the other place" – Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"There is nowhere in the four Gospels where I see anything other than Jesus

expressing love to whomever he meets. And as Christians, that is the only expression

that we can possibly give to any human being, in any circumstance" - The Rt. Rev.

Iain Greenshields, the Presbyterian moderator of the Church of Scotland.

"Who am I to judge a gay person of goodwill who seeks the Lord? You can’t

marginalize these people. People with homosexual tendencies are children

of God. God Loves them. God accompanies them" – Pope Francis

I’d rather be a rebel than a slave - Emily Pankhurst

"The message of Christianity is one of love, acceptance, and inclusion. We need to be

living that message, not just preaching it." - Rev. Dr. Josephine McDonnell Inkpin

"Theology should be a liberating force, not a constraining one. If our theology

is causing harm, then we need to rethink it." - Rev. Dr. Margaret Mayman

"My faith is a choice. My morality is a choice. My sexual orientation

however isn’t." - Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

I don’t believe that love has a gender. Love is love - Sir Elton John

"I always think about the young people who are struggling with their sexuality, and

they’re told that their love is invalid, their attraction is invalid, and that they’re somehow

broken. And I think it’s important for them to see out-and-proud gay people living full,

successful, and happy lives." - Magda Szubanski, Australian LGBT activist and actress.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one

remembers to turn on the light" (Prof. Albus Dumbledore)

"I’m a Christian. I love Jesus...I think that’s the best way to live your life,

is to be Christ-like. And that’s what I strive for." – Rupaul Charles

"There are two types of Christians in this world: those who merely wave and point

their finger, and those who truly embody the faith by keeping their hand on their heart

and living a life filled with love, compassion, and empathy". – Shane St. Reynolds.

Dedication

For Braithen and all those past and present who have struggled to reconcile their faith with their LGBT+ identity, may this book offer hope, healing, and the knowledge that you are not alone.

*

Acknowledgments

I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me in creating this

book. Special thanks to my partner Tristan, my parents, God parents,

family, close friends, and beloved pets for their constant support.

I am deeply grateful to the faculty and staff at St. Francis and St. Mark’s Theological

College, particularly Rev Dr Jo Inkpin from Pitt Street Uniting Church, Sydney¹, for

their invaluable guidance and support throughout my vocational journey. Additionally,

I am thankful to the City of Gold Coast and Centers for Spiritual Living² for their

generous grants and to Dr Peter Lewis for his wise counsel and friendship.

Additionally, I want to thank the congregation and my church family at

Universal Church³ for their love, support, and encouragement throughout my

spiritual journey. Thank you all for believing in me and your unwavering

support as I continue exploring my path and serving others.

*

Abbreviations

---

¹  Rev Dr. Inkpin, Josephine, Australia’s First Trans Priest Blessed Imp

²  Centers for Spiritual Living" https://csl.org/

³  Universal Church of Love Inc https://www.universalchurch.com.au/

Foreword by Dr. Peter E. Lewis, BD, FRCS, FRACS

Dr. Lewis was a volunteer surgeon in Bangladesh before becoming the supervisor of an A & E Centre at a hospital in Sydney. He was then the surgeon for the Solomon Islands before returning to the Gold Coast where for twenty years he was the vice-president of Hopewell Hospice Services. Hopewell Hospice is an all-inclusive palliative care facility, renowned for its exceptional care of individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Currently, Dr. Lewis is a distinguished research associate at the Centre for Coins, Culture, and Religious History, and his recent publication, The Ending of Mark’s Gospel: The Key to Understanding the Gospels and Christianity, demonstrates his profound theological expertise.

Inclusive Acknowledgement

God of many names, we acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the sovereign and unceded country of indigenous nations.⁴ We give thanks to their elders, who have cared for this country for many thousands of years. Give us the courage to work toward a more just settlement for all Indigenous people.

We acknowledge and celebrate LGBT+ people who have faced marginalization and exclusion from many faith communities. We honour and thank those who have fought for the recognition and rights of the LGBT+ community within and outside religious spaces. We affirm the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity and extend our pastoral care and support to all members of the LGBT+ community.

Furthermore, the author wishes to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate humanity and every individual. Each person has a unique story and journey, and they should all be recognized and celebrated for who they are. The reader is invited to join in celebrating the beauty and diversity of humanity and to recognize the inherent worth of every person.

As a community of faith, we are committed to upholding the values of love, acceptance, and inclusivity. We recognize that all individuals are made in God’s image and are entitled to dignity and respect. We pledge to continue advocating for justice and equality for all people, irrespective of their gender, race, sexuality, or any other characteristic.

We warmly welcome readers to this book, which offers valuable resources for those seeking to reconcile their faith with their identity. We are grateful to those who have shared their experiences and stories with us, and our hope is that this book will contribute to creating a more loving and inclusive world. We explore the journey of the LGBT+ community, the progress made toward acceptance and inclusion, and the work that still needs to be done.

While there is still progress to be made in affirming gender-diverse individuals and celebrating their unique gifts, we take comfort in the progress made. We acknowledge that homophobia and transphobia still exist in various forms, but we remain hopeful and committed to creating a more inclusive society. This book offers practical ways to achieve this, and we pray that it inspires and empowers those seeking acceptance and understanding in a complex world.

---

⁴  See University of Divinity, Protocol for Welcome to/Acknowledgement of Country

Contents

Foreword by Dr. Peter E. Lewis, BD, FRCS, FRACS

Inclusive Acknowledgement

Contents

Prologue

About the Author

Part One: The Wounds of Religion

Chapter 1:    Trauma in the Church

Chapter 2:    The Intersection of Faith and Sexuality

Chapter 3:    Overcoming Trauma and Building a More Inclusive Church

Part Two: The Call of God

Chapter 4:    Recognising God’s Voice

Chapter 5:    Wrestling with the Call

Chapter 6:    Responding to the Call

Part Three: Navigating the Journey

Chapter 7:    Overcoming Obstacles and Doubts

Chapter 8:    Finding Support in the Church and Community

Chapter 9:    Living Out God’s Calling

Part Four: Living a Life Unbroken

Chapter 10:  Healing and Forgiveness

Chapter 11:  Embracing Your Identity in Christ

Chapter 12:  Moving Forward in Faith and Purpose

Chapter 13:  Conclusion

Vision for the future

Appendix:

Helpful contacts for LGBT+ people in Australia

LGBT+ Resources:

Other Christian Resources

Bibliography

Prologue

The Bible has been both a source of comfort and condemnation for the LGBT+ community. Although some passages seem to condemn homosexuality, others speak of God’s love and acceptance for all people. In recent years, Christianity has witnessed a growing movement to embrace and affirm LGBT+ individuals. Progressive Christian churches are actively working to create safe and welcoming spaces for queer individuals, and many LGBT+ Christians are discovering new ways to reconcile their faith with their sexuality.

For LGBT+ Christians, navigating the tension between their spiritual beliefs and personal identity can be a challenging journey. Some may feel as though they are forced to choose between their faith and sexuality, while others may feel as though they must hide or suppress their true selves to be accepted by the church. This can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion and can make it difficult to fully embrace one’s spirituality.

In this book, I aim to amplify the voices of the LGBT+ community and offer guidance and support to those who are struggling to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. I will provide resources and tools for individuals seeking to create a more authentic and fulfilling spiritual practice, and I will share stories of other LGBT+ Christians who have found ways to embrace both aspects of their identity.

A key theme of this book is the idea that for LGBT+ people, spirituality is an integral part of one’s identity, not a separate or secondary aspect. Embracing both sexuality and spirituality can lead to a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection to the world around us. It can also provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life and can help individuals live more fulfilling and joyful lives. Throughout the book, I will explore the intersection of LGBT+ spirituality with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and class, and provide guidance for individuals navigating multiple identities.

The goal is to amplify the voices of the LGBT+ community and provide hope and support to those who may feel lost or alone in their spiritual journey. Through the sharing of stories, guidance, and resources, I aim to help LGBT+ individuals find a path toward greater acceptance, understanding and love within themselves and their faith communities.

It is highly recommended that everyone contemplates reading the Bible, which is regarded as God’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The teachings of the book, particularly those about love and hope through Jesus, can provide comfort, inspiration, and direction to those who aspire to deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. While navigating the intricate crossroads of our spiritual beliefs and personal identities, it is crucial to remember the profound love that Jesus has for us, as demonstrated in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. This message of love and acceptance can act as a beacon of hope on our voyage to reconcile our faith with our identity, offering us solace, motivation, and encouragement.

And remember: It’s okay if not everyone comprehends the path, you’re on. Your journey is personal and between you and God, constituting one of the most intimate and private relationships in the universe. Therefore, share your love and life without allowing anyone to belittle your beauty or worth.

About the Author

Greetings of grace and peace. I am humbled to introduce myself as the author of this book. My name is Shane St Reynolds, a Christian pastor who identifies as a gay man and experiences same-sex attraction. It is a privilege to share my personal story and unique perspective with you.

My journey toward this book began when I realized the deep need for conversations around the intersection of sexuality and spirituality, particularly in the context of Christianity. As a queer individual, I understand firsthand the challenges of reconciling these two important aspects of our lives.

In my work as an artist, I have been involved in various initiatives that promote greater inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBT+ community in religious spaces. I have been a speaker on the radio, led workshops and worked with various faith communities to create more welcoming environments for queer individuals.

As a spiritual seeker, I have spent years exploring different faith traditions, both within and outside Christianity. My own journey toward a more expansive and inclusive understanding of spirituality has been deeply informed by my experiences as an LGBT+ person, and there is much to be gained by exploring the ways in which our sexuality and our spirituality intersect.

As a writer, I am passionate about using my voice to amplify the stories and experiences of marginalized communities. Through this book, I hope to provide a resource for LGBT+ individuals who are seeking to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality and to create a space for conversations around this often-challenging topic.

As a pastor of the people, I offer a unique perspective on life’s struggles, including losing my partner to suicide, the death of my best friend at a young age, and my own battles with addiction. Additionally, I can speak to the challenges of reconciling faith with sexuality. I have preached the gospel on the street and worked with individuals from all walks of life, including those facing difficult struggles.

But my love for learning and desire to grow spiritually led me to attend various theological schools like St Mark’s Theological College in Canberra, St Francis Theological College in Brisbane, and the First Center of Religious Science in New York City. I have also pursued further studies at the University of Divinity in Australia and Christ Church, Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

At the conclusion of each chapter, I will provide a prayer or affirmation to support the reader on their spiritual journey. While I understand that prayer may be unfamiliar territory for some, offering a choice between a prayer and an affirmation can assist individuals as they explore their spirituality. My hope is that these prayers and affirmations will offer readers a sense of comfort, direction, and motivation as they navigate their personal and spiritual growth. It is worth noting that while this content may be helpful for some, it may challenge others who have different beliefs or spiritual practices.

My hope is for these prayers and affirmations to deepen your connection with your faith and spirituality as you continue on your spiritual journey. For those in the LGBT+ community, I hope that this book can be a source of healing and comfort for you and your loved ones. My primary goal is to create a nurturing and empowering environment for readers, supporting them in feeling empowered and inspired as they work toward enhancing their connections with themselves, others, and the divine. In addition, the resources at the end of this book serve as additional support for readers seeking further guidance and assistance.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing my insights and experiences with you.

I am here to listen and provide support and guidance if you ever need a confidential space to share your struggles and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me through any channels provided at the end of this book.

With every blessing,

Love from Shane.

Opening Prayer

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God, we gather in your presence today with open hearts and open minds. We thank you for creating us in your image, with diverse experiences and identities that make us unique and valuable. Today we lift up in prayer our LGBT+ brothers and sisters in Christ who often face challenges in reconciling their faith and sexuality.

As we embark on this journey of exploring the complexities of faith and sexuality, we ask for your guidance and wisdom to help us navigate the challenges that we may encounter. May this book serve as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all those who seek to embrace their full identity and find acceptance in a world that can be unaccepting.

We pray that through the stories and experiences shared in these pages, we may gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity. May we learn to celebrate and affirm the unique gifts and perspectives of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As Jesus said, Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34). May this book be a tool for promoting inclusion and love within our communities of faith. May it help us create safe and welcoming spaces for all who seek to grow in their spirituality. May we embrace the call to love our neighbours as ourselves, and may we work together to create a more just, compassionate, and loving world.

We offer this prayer in Jesus’ holy and precious name. Amen.

Chapter 1

Trauma in the Church

The juxtaposition of LGBT+ rights and religion has long been a topic of debate. While some argue that religion can provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life, others, including Freud and Marx, have criticized religions for keeping people dependent on authority and hindering their ability to improve their material situations⁵.

Despite the historical marginalization and exclusion of LGBT+ individuals by many traditional faiths, some still find spirituality and connection within these religions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the ways in which these religions have perpetuated discrimination and exclusion.

As Freud and Marx called for reform and progress in society, many LGBT+ activists are calling for reform and progress within religious institutions to fully support the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By embracing the need for change and rejecting outdated attitudes, we can work toward a future where religion and LGBT+ rights are no longer seen as paradoxical.

For many LGBT+ individuals, the church can be a source of