Tony Campolo Calls for Full Inclusion of Gay & Lesbian Christians

Last updated on: June 9, 2015 at 11:12 am by Brandan Robertson

Tony Campolo Calls for Full Inclusion of Gay & Lesbian Christians 2015-06-09T11:12:21-04:00 Brandan Robertson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

**Updated: June 8 at 12:30pm

This morning, Dr. Tony Campolo, well known evangelical activist, educator, speaker, and founder of Red Letter Christians released a statement on his blog announcing his official change of heart and mind on LGBTQ inclusion in the church. In the statement he says:

“While I have always tried to communicate grace and understanding to people on both sides of the issue, my answer to that question has always been somewhat ambiguous. One reason for that ambiguity was that I felt I could do more good for my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters by serving as a bridge person, encouraging the rest of the Church to reach out in love and truly get to know them. The other reason was that, like so many other Christians, I was deeply uncertain about what was right.

It has taken countless hours of prayer, study, conversation and emotional turmoil to bring me to the place where I am finally ready to call for the full acceptance of Christian gay couples into the Church.”

Dr. Campolo has been an advocate for a more Christ-like and loving posture towards LGBTQ people in the church for many years now. His wife, Peggy has also been an advocate for full inclusion for many years, while Tony has notably remained unchanged in his position about what the Scriptures teach about same-sex relationships. Until now.

A new day is dawning in Christianity, indeed. The Spirit of God is moving on the hearts of Christian pastors, leaders, and laypeople alike and causing many to return to the Scriptures again with fresh eyes, listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit calling us to see a more expansive and inclusive vision of Christ’s Church.

In the midst of this great step forward by Dr. Campolo, I do believe two critiques are necessary: It is not enough that Christian leaders simply step forward and announce their support for gay and lesbian Christians. It’s also important that they acknowledge the harm that has been caused by their use of an un-affirming theology and that they publicly repent for their sin of exclusion. This is a key move that many Christians leaders who have changed their mind have not considered, but is perhaps even more important than announcing their support for inclusion and equality. In order for LGBTQ to find the healing that we need, the acknowledgement of the oppression and harm we have faced at the hands of Christian pastors, teachers, and theologians is essential.

It is also notable that Dr. Campolo only addresses “gay and lesbians”, without acknowledging bisexual, queer, and trans* people. For far too long, in both the Church and the broader LGBTQ community, these minorities have felt invisible. When Christians are moved to announce their support for inclusion, it is also essential that they include all sexual minorities. Otherwise, the oppressive cycle of invisibility will be perpetuated.

(For a more in-depth critique of Campolo’s statement from an LGBTQ perspective, read my friend Eliel Cruz’s post here)

None the less, I am so grateful for leaders like Dr. Campolo who have taken years of intense study and prayer on this very important topic and have been bold enough to respond to the prompting of God’s Spirit and to speak out for inclusion and equality on behalf of LGBTQ individuals. It is my prayer that many other leaders will be emboldened to follow the Spirit’s leading and to become advocates for inclusion and acceptance of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

To read Dr. Campolo’s full statement, click here.

Breaking News

Previous Post

June 3, 2015

Why You Should Support "At the End of the Day"

Next Post

June 19, 2015 A Prayer for Charleston

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Breaking News Contributor Post Current Events Devotional Devotional Ideas For A Better Tomorrow General Posts Guest Post Interview Missiology Nomad Rants Recalibrate Reflections Response Review The Other Side Theology Uncategorized

Select a Month May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 August 2017 July 2017 May 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 June 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I was made a watchman for the house of Israel. If I failed to warn the wicked, whose blood would be required?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The watchman's The people's The wicked person's No one's