The Rainbow Sunset : how can a church involve the LGBT group of people?

Abstract

This Thesis contributes to understanding the setting of the LGBT in the Christian community and the role of the church of involving LGBT. Looking into the development concerning the church hospitality towards LGBT, Biblical basis, sexuality, human rights and the relationship towards each other. To value respect among these individuals, I suggest applying the gender equality or right-based approach, in playing the most significant role of the church most especially in dealing with conflicts, situations, and gender equality. The use of theoretical and hermeneutical methods carried out an effective way of knowing the situation and learning the progress of acceptance and respect for this group of people. The queer theory emphasizes good communication in such a way that it shows consideration and better understanding. The acknowledgment of human rights specifically the gay rights and the laws concerning homosexual that contribute the church to be a responsible church leader that strengthen the communication of the church and LGBT with openness, love, acceptance, and respect. The role of the church in LGBT’s life affects the whole being including their relationship to God and to find themselves acceptable in spite of their gender preference. Looking into the life and experiences of LGBT in Norway that is far beyond in my Filipino Roman Catholic context. It is important to know that human rights application and interpretation is necessary and more than that to apply it in a certain context by considering the culture and Biblical consideration. Base on this research, the author argues that the relationship between the church and the LGBT valued respect, love, equality and proper Christian ethics. My findings show that the church can involve LGBT people by standing in faith with self-acceptance of sexuality and though repentance, LGBT rec-connect their life to the church and value their relationship to God. However, my conclusion in this research is in line with the position of my Catholic background that by avoiding homosexual practices and observing Christian moral ethics it leads the LGBT to be accepted in the church.