While churches are places of refuge and safety for many, the unfortunate truth is that throughout history the church has also been a source of pain and exclusion. Discrimination communicated through the lens of faith, often accompanied by misinterpreted or mistranslated scripture, can leave marginalized persons feeling unwelcome and unwanted in spaces associated with God--and even unloved by God. Historically, groups marginalized due to racial, ethnic, language, or other forms of discrimination have created ministries uniquely designed to meet their needs. How might LGBTQIA+ Christians seek similar belonging in ministries created by, and for, them?
Queer Church explores how LGBTQIA+-specific ministry settings can offer spaces for LGBTQIA+ Christians to heal, grow, and thrive, much as ethnic-specific church communities have done for their members. Grounded in their own ministry experiences, Mark Vorenkamp casts a vision of how a church created out of discrimination can form a place of acceptance and affirmation that gives voice to--and provides care for--those lacking formal power in a society where rights feel threatened and trauma is rife.
