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The Role of Religious and Faith Communities in Addressing the Needs of LGBT Elders

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Handbook of LGBT Elders

Abstract

Religious and faith communities occupy unique and specific roles and functions in society. Although information is presented on specific views about LGBT persons of certain religious affiliations, it is not the intent of this chapter to present a philosophical discussion of the concepts of religion and spirituality, nor to promote the views of any particular faith or denomination. The purpose of this chapter is to present information on the impact, role, and perceptions of faith communities in the lives of LGBT elders. Specifically, information is presented on the attitudes and perceptions of the “church” toward LGBT persons, the value placed on religion and spirituality by LGBT persons, and the ways in which religious leaders can provide care and support to LGBT elders. A discussion of implications of the role of religious leaders in policy development that affect LGBT persons is also presented.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA

    Debra A. Harley

Authors
  1. Debra A. Harley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Debra A. Harley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    Debra A. Harley

  2. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    Pamela B. Teaster

Appendices

Learning Exercises

Self-check Questions

  1. 1.

    What is the difference between religion and spirituality?

  2. 2.

    What was the response of faith communities to LGBT elders during the era in which they grew up?

  3. 3.

    How prepared are religious leaders to address concerns of LGBT members in their congregations?

  4. 4.

    What are the characteristics of Christian Fundamentalist dogma?

  5. 5.

    How many times is homosexuality discussed in the Christian Bible?

Field-based Experiential Assignments

  1. 1.

    Develop a presentation in which you defend the rights of LGBT persons to be equally recognized and supported in faith communities.

  2. 2.

    Interview religious leaders on their knowledge of LGBT issues and how qualified they believe they are to provide pastoral care to LGBT elders.

  3. 3.

    Select a denomination and volunteer to review and modify/update their policies on LGBT members in the church and/or develop a resource directory of available service.

Multiple-choice Questions

  1. 1.

    Which historical figure determined that same-sex intimacy was against nature and a crime?

    1. (a)

      Moses

    2. (b)

      Jesus

    3. (c)

      King Solomon

    4. (d)

      Emperor Justinian

  2. 2.

    Which of the following books of the Bible does not mention homosexuality?

    1. (a)

      Mark

    2. (b)

      Romans

    3. (c)

      Genesis

    4. (d)

      Leviticus

  3. 3.

    Which of the following is a postmodern view of sexuality?

    1. (a)

      Homogeneous

    2. (b)

      Bi-modal

    3. (c)

      Heterogeneous

    4. (d)

      Moralistic

  4. 4.

    Which of the following context was sexual diversity not considered by writers of the Bible?

    1. (a)

      Behavioral

    2. (b)

      Ceremonial

    3. (c)

      Cultural

    4. (d)

      Marriage

  5. 5.

    Negative religious attitudes about sexual minorities can lead to which of the following in LGBT persons?

    1. (a)

      Depression

    2. (b)

      Low self-esteem

    3. (c)

      Feelings of worthlessness

    4. (d)

      All of the above

    5. (e)

      None of the above

  6. 6.

    In Rose’s study, how do LGBT elders rate their faith community?

    1. (a)

      Tolerant and guarded

    2. (b)

      Source of strength and supportive

    3. (c)

      Intolerant and dismissive

    4. (d)

      Supportive and judgmental

  7. 7.

    Which of the following is true of LGBT persons’ religious identity?

    1. (a)

      Less religious than non-LGBT persons

    2. (b)

      More likely to identify as non-religious

    3. (c)

      Equally religious as non-LGBT persons

    4. (d)

      Both a and b

    5. (e)

      None of the above

  8. 8.

    Which of the following is an ethical requirement for therapist, but religious leaders may find more difficult when working with LGBT persons?

    1. (a)

      Non-judgmental and not impose beliefs

    2. (b)

      Impose beliefs and suggest conversion treatment

    3. (c)

      Non-judgmental and promote the views of the faith community

    4. (d)

      Assist LGBT persons to understand how their behavior is sinful

  9. 9.

    Which of the following should be given consideration when looking at religious issues for LGBT persons?

    1. (a)

      Issues are consistently the same for LGBT persons

    2. (b)

      Transgender issues may be different and require different approaches

    3. (c)

      Gay men are discriminated against more in faith communities

    4. (d)

      Lesbians are readily accepted in faith communities

  10. 10.

    Which of the following do LGBT elders report about their social support network?

    1. (a)

      Gets larger as they age

    2. (b)

      Remains unchanged

    3. (c)

      Includes more younger people looking mentors

    4. (d)

      Gets smaller as they age

Key

  • 1-d

  • 2-a

  • 3-c

  • 4-c

  • 5-d

  • 6-b

  • 7-d

  • 8-a

  • 9-b

  • 10-d

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Harley, D.A. (2016). The Role of Religious and Faith Communities in Addressing the Needs of LGBT Elders. In: Harley, D., Teaster, P. (eds) Handbook of LGBT Elders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03623-6_27

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03623-6_27

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