LGBTQ Inclusion Among Religious Congregations and Religious Leaders in the United States.

Abstract

Religiosity remains a central predictor of public opinion concerning the rights of individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). Though religiosity has traditionally been associated with resistance to LGBTQ inclusion, in recent years the inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals has become common among some religious congregations and clergy, especially those in the more liberal denominations. This paper extends past research by: (1) using a nationally representative study of congregations to examine the trends in inclusion of individuals in same-sex relationships in congregational life and congregational activities concerning LGBTQ issues and rights, and (2) using a nationally representative study of clergy to document the views of congregational leaders concerning individuals in same-sex relationships and clergy political activity regarding LGBTQ issues. I find that congregational inclusion of individuals in same-sex relationships increased between 2006-07 and 2018-19, and a significant minority of congregations and clergy participated in meetings or political action concerning LGBTQ issues, though there were substantial variations by religious tradition. As the proportion of individuals in the United States identifying as LGBTQ increases, and as public opinion concerning LGBTQ issues continues to liberalize, understanding LGBTQ inclusion and activities concerning LGBTQ rights among congregations and clergy remains important.