Understanding the Situation

Prominent ‘Queer Affirming’ Theologian Facing Trial by Church of the Nazarene

Religion New Service - A prominent and prolific theologian in the Church of the Nazarene will face a church trial later this month for advocating for LGBTQ affirmation at a time when the denomination is doubling down on its opposition to same-sex relations. Read the Full Article

"Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming" by Thomas Jay Oord

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This book fundamentally changes the game for the Church of the Nazarene. A growing number of people are calling for fresh conversations about sexuality and gender. And many want fundamental change. This book gives voice to those people.

There are strong reasons the Church of the Nazarene should become fully LGBTQ+ affirming. The writers of these essays – whether queer or straight – lay out those reasons, share their experiences, and explain why change is needed.

Love rests at the heart of the denomination’s view of God. And yet its statement about human sexuality does not support the ways of love.

At least in America, the Church of the Nazarene is rapidly shrinking. Many people are leaving the denomination because of its views on LGBTQ+ matters. According to research, in fact, the holiness movement is the worst at keeping young people.

This book offers hope. Hearing the voices of queer people, allies, and scholars is a crucial step toward transformation. For love to win in the Church of the Nazarene, change is needed.

"My Defense: Responding to the Charges that I Fully Affirm LGBTQ+ People" by Thomas Jay Oord

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Thomas Jay Oord has been handed charges and faces a trial for being fully LGBTQ+ affirming. This book offers the documents of his defense for that trial. It also features other documents, including his hearing defense.

At the heart of Oord’s argument is his belief that love should compel everyone to accept and affirm fully queer people. This means embracing their LGBTQ+ identities, orientations, and healthy sexual behaviors.

Oord believes that love acts intentionally, in relationship with God and others, to promote overall well-being. While love seeks the good of all, it is especially attuned to the well-being of the marginalized, rejected, and harmed.

Every person who seeks to live a life of love – especially those in religions that claim to prioritize love – ought to embrace and include LGBTQ+ people fully. Churches that don’t fully affirm queer people are not loving as God calls them to love.

The price of this book has been purposely kept low so that buying it will not be difficult. My Defense deserves a wide audience because it has the potential to change the conversation… for good!