This book critically examines the lived experiences of bisexual Christians across a range of Christian traditions in the UK and the USA. Shepherd assesses whether current data on elevated rates of depressive illnesses among bisexual people also apply to the bisexual Christian community. Drawing on data collected by the author on bisexual Christians across the lifespan, the book uncovers shocking incidences of biphobia and bi erasure in the Church. Widespread ignorance among pastors of middle sexualities outside of the hetero-/homonormative binary is revealed as well as a corresponding absence of appropriate support resources. Bisexuality and the Western Christian Church will be of interest to students and scholars across a range of disciplines, including gender studies, applied theology, sociology and social psychology. It is also important reading for clergy, and LGBT faith organisations. With a Foreword by Eric Anderson, Professor of Sport, Masculinities, and Sexualities, University of Winchester, UK.

The author explores what the Bible and other early religious texts have to say about homosexuality.

Over half of young people between 18-24 in the UK currently identify as "not exclusively heterosexual." Yet a sizable majority of Christian Churches in the UK, US and Australia still refuse to acknowledge the immutability of most LGBT identities or to engage with the lived realities of LGBT people. This apathy - and sometimes downright hostility - creates a toxic environment for some of our most vulnerable young people, leading to isolation, despair and sometimes, tragically, suicide. This poses the question, does the Church have blood on its hands? Blood on its Hands? should serve as a wake-up call to take LGBT identities and LGBT mental health seriously, to avoid some of the tragedies highlighted in this book. It is intended to be used as an aid to discussion in worship communities. Dr Carol A Shepherd is a published academic and trade author, whose works include Bisexuality in the Western Christian Church (Palgrave) and Bi: the Way, Pastoring Bisexual Christians in Europe (EYP). An experienced and engaging public speaker, Carol can be booked for talks and workshops at www.easyyoke.org

The subject of gay and lesbian sexuality is perhaps the most vexed issue in the contemporary Christian Church. Many churches have been forced to confront the matter, both theologically and pastorally and in consequence, controversies have proved divisive within the Church, most notably between conservative and liberal orientated denominations, as well as evangelical churches. This book explores these themes from a sociological perspective, addressing not only gay and lesbian sexualities, but also bi- and transgendered sexualities. With rich empirical material being presented by a team of experts, this book constitutes the first comprehensive sociological study of 'non-hetero' sexualities in relation to contemporary Christianity. As such, it will appeal to sociologists, scholars of religion and theology as well as readers across a range of social sciences

This Companion to Some Issues in Human Sexuality has been especially prepared to enable individuals and churches to reflect on the issue of homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexualism and the Church. It provides a summary of the main theological and pastoral issues allowing for intelligent discussion, and also offers a structure for reading the main volume.

Reinterpretations of key Bible texts related to sexual orientation, written by a Harvard student, present an accessible case for a modern Christian conservative acceptance of sexual diversity.

A fascinating read for anyone seeking to understand the conflict between Christianity and LGBTQI individuals, this book is, as its editors proclaim, "a fearlessly wide vision of queer Christians finding a place within Christianity—and claiming their authentic experience and voice." Through essays by noted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) religion scholars, this important compilation summarizes the history and current status of LGBTQI theology, exploring its relationship to the policies, practices, and theology of traditional Christianity. Contributors contrast the "radically inclusive" thinking of LGBTQI theology with the "exclusivity" practiced by many Christian churches, explaining the reasoning of each and clarifying contentious issues. At the same time, the book highlights ways in which "queer" theology and practice benefit Christian congregations. Writing from the perspective of grassroots Christian LGBTQI movements, many of the contributors draw upon their own experiences. They provide graphic examples of the effects exclusion has on individuals, congregations, and denominations, and also share examples of inclusion and its effects. Equally important, the work creates the basis for dialogue between traditional churches and followers of LGBTQI theology, offering practical suggestions for Christian congregations that wish to put aside exclusionary policies and practices.