2/19

As part of my occasional Conversations series where leaders share their perspectives on the place of GLBT people in communities of faith, I recently spoke with Justin Lee. Justin founded The Gay Christian Network in 2001 and currently serves as its Executive Director, overseeing ministry operations around the world.

How has your personal journey strengthened or challenged your faith?

I grew up in a very conservative evangelical Christian family and church. I thought I was strong in my faith but I had no idea what it was like to be challenged on the scale I have been challenged after coming out as gay and advocating for GLBT evangelical Christians. Growing up, I had the full support of family, friends, and church leaders. When I came out, that all went away. I learned what it is like to be outside of mainstream American evangelical Christianity. I gained a new perspective from this huge challenge that was also the biggest blessing. I saw how the church comes across to people on the outside.

What is one of the defining moments in your life as a Christian?

I have to say that it was the time in which I realized I was gay, a period of four years starting when I was 18 years old. Up until then I thought my faith was my own, even though it was also the faith of my parents. After coming out to my self I realized that what I believed about being gay was what I had been taught.

I knew that continuing to call myself Christian would cause a lot of suffering and trouble. God pressed me to look at my faith…and grasp what I believe fully as my own. I came out of that time with a faith that was similar to what I grew up with, especially placing a high value on Scripture, but also dramatically different with a much richer understanding of the Grace of God.

Do you have a story of a person who embodies Christ’s teachings?

My hero for so many years has been Dr. Ralph Blair, a psychotherapist in New York City who founded Evangelicals Concerned, a pro-gay evangelical group, way before there were any supports for GLBT Christians. He is a loving, giving person who loves people, God, the Bible, and is not afraid to take a stand. At the same time, he has a remarkably generous spirit in the midst of disagreement.

In your mind, what are the Biblical foundations for LGBT inclusion in the church?

Speaking for myself, not the Gay Christian Network, my approach to marriage begins with Genesis 2:18 where God says, “It is not good that man should be alone.” God recognizes that human beings long for connection; God understands us. There is no evidence in Scripture that gender is central.

The clear picture in the New Testament of sin and the law is summarized in Romans 13:8-10. This is Paul’s final statement on how to live by Grace: if we are living in accordance with God's love, we will automatically do the right thing.

What would you say to those Christians who have a different view on inclusion?

My first approach is usually to tell stories. I assume that misunderstandings of one another are getting in the way of a connection with them. I suspect that the reasons for our different positions arise from reasons different from what each of us suppose to be the other’s reasons.

I try to listen and to invite us all not to look down on one another.

What can we do to foster dialogue and build bridges with people with different views on inclusion?

It is up to all of us to be gracious, even to those who are not gracious to us. If we are always waiting for the other to do that first, then we will never find peace or build bridges. Telling stories, being patient, educating ourselves about the Bible all help. I’ve seen Grace happen between those who disagree.