LE3 .A278 2022

2022

Janzen, Carol Anne

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

This thesis explored the lives of people who self-identify as lesbian or gay, and who had been involved and intimately connected with a congregational fellowship of a Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (hereafter known as CBAC) church. The study investigated the effects that the beliefs and attitudes of those particular churches towards same- sex relationships had on the lives of these individuals. The qualitative research project, grounded in hermeneutical inquiry, supported by the work of Gadamer and Creswell, led to interviews of adult, Christian and lesbian or gay individuals. As well, focus groups from a variety of CBAC churches were interviewed in order to shed light on the attitude towards lesbians and gays prevalent in the respective churches. Furthermore, a wider study surveyed Baptist associations, conventions and unions in other regions of Canada, the USA, and United Kingdom, which shared similarities in culture and belief. Biblical research and scholarly contributions from Christian authors augmented the study. A workbook was developed for use as a discussion starter within congregations. This can be found in Appendix E, with the goal that it will be used by the CBAC congregations to provide further education regarding same-sex relationships. The author concluded that Christian scripture does not condemn homosexual relationships, and the commandment issued by Jesus must be honoured above all; love God and love your neighbour as yourself.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3727