Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities

Stephen Hunt is Reader in the Sociology of Religion at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

'I sometimes wonder if there is anything left to say about Christianity and sexuality. The Churches grow weary of the endless debate. But this book and the essays within it remind us that this debate impacts upon real people in all parts of the Churches and all sides of the debate. People do not neatly conform to theological models or concepts, this book raises important issues about the construction of identity - sexual and Christian - and adds a refreshing dimension to the discussions'. Elizabeth Stuart, University of Winchester, UK 'At a time when the "battle over homosexuality" continues to rage in the churches, this book offers a collection of thoughtful and engaged reflections on the issue. It represents the whole range of LGBT sexualities, considers how both sides in the "war" frame their arguments and shape their strategies, and discusses what this means for those whose lives have become the focus of such controversy.' Linda Woodhead, Lancaster University, UK 'Reporting largely on sociological research in the areas of Christianity and sexual/gender identity, Contemporary Christianity and LGBT Sexualities reads for the most part like a special journal issue: packed with data and focused on developments in a specific sub-field. As such, it makes a significant contribution both to LGBT studies and to the sociology of religion. Yet, because most of the data are qualitative and the writing is clear, the book is accessible enough for the more general reader. Aside from being important reading for those working at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and religion, it would be an interesting supplement to courses on contemporary Christianity or religion and sexuality.' Journal of Contemporary Religion '... issues of marriage and adoption by individuals harbouring a non-heterosexual and non-cisgendered orientation are all too prevalent within the current politico-religious climates of various nations including North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The presence of this volume, which examines the current state of Christianity and its relationship to LGBT sexualities, is therefore an extremely welcome occurrence. Brimming with sociological, historical, cross-cultural, theological, and pastoral reflections on such a pertinent and persistent topic, this tome is an impressive and important addition to past studies of religion, gender, and sexuality... Stephen Hunt's Introduction to the work is such an insightful and illuminating foray into the field and its disciplinary parameters that it is able to stand as an academic paper on its own... solid sociological grounding, outstanding prose, and powerful insight on subjects deserving of greater scholastic attention make this work compulsory reading for all scholars and students of LGBT and gender studies, sociology, and studies in religion. The hope is that this work affects popular and public perceptions of Christianity and its relationship to non-heterosexual and non-monogendered persons.' Australian Religion Studies Review

• Preface; Introduction, Stephen Hunt; Chapter 1 The Gift (?) that Dare not Speak its Name: Exploring the Influence of Sexuality on the Professional Performances of Gay Male Anglican Clergy, Michael Keenan; Chapter 2 Between Subordination and Sympathy: Evangelical Christians, Masculinity and Gay Sexuality, Kristin Aune; Chapter 3 Common Pathways, Different Lives: The ‘Coming Out’ Narratives of Catholic Nuns and Lesbians in Poland, Marta Trzebiatowska; Chapter 4 Bisexual Christians: The Life-Stories of a Marginalised Community, Alex Toft; Chapter 5 Transgendering Christianity: Gender-Variant Christians as Visionaries, Andrew Kam-Tuck Yip, Michael Keenan; Chapter 6 Human Rights and Moral Wrongs: The Christian ‘Gay Debate’ in the Secular Sphere, Stephen Hunt; Chapter 7 Christians and Gays in Northern Ireland: How the Ethno-Religious Context has Shaped Christian Anti-Gay and Pro-Gay Activism, Richard O’Leary; Chapter 8 Is it Meaningful to Speak of ‘Queer Spirituality’? An Examination of Queer and LGBT Imagery and Themes in Contemporary Paganism and Christianity, Yvonne Aburrow; Chapter 9 Trends in the Spiritual Direction for LGBT People, Derek Jay;