I’ve recently had some encouraging correspondence with a Queensland Scripture Union employee involved in the training of school chaplains around issues of sex and gender diversity. This person acknowledged evidence that “while spirituality and religion were protective factors for most kids, they were risk factors for LGBTIQ kids. Rather than promote wellbeing, they tended to lead to further harm”.
As part of the general secular society, I have come rather lately to an accepting attitude to GBLT+ people and concerns. It’s no surprise that churches, and conservative ones in particular, still have difficulty making that transition. I have been (and remain) critical of the refusal of many Christian and other religious groups to measure up to decent contemporary secular standards, but I should also give credit where it’s due. For those in the conservative Christian camp making the effort to effect change I have nothing but praise.
