Most of the anguish imposed upon God’s children who grow up LGBTQIA+ is rooted in a misunderstanding of what the Bible says. Since Adventists claim they are traditionally well-studied in the Bible, shouldn’t they be among the first to clarify this issue for the world?

Many Seventh-day Adventist Christians, from laypeople to seminary professors, have studied the biblical texts related to homosexual acts and have concluded that what the Bible doesn't say is as important as what it does say. The Bible clearly speaks against lust in any form. But above all it does not condemn, or even mention, homosexuality as a sexual orientation, nor does it address transgender identity.

For most heterosexuals, the teaching that homosexuality is a sin presents no problem, so they often see little reason to give the subject much thought. Many of them, due to widespread ignorance on the subject, believe that homosexuality is merely a difficult habit or temptation to be overcome. They fail to comprehend the extreme consequences and implications such teachings have for the lives of Christians who discover they are LGBTQIA+.

For the LGBTQIA+ person, there is a compelling reason to give the subject a great deal of study. Eternal damnation is too serious a consequence to merely rely on “what we’ve always been taught.” One could hold the view that being homosexual is not a sin so long as “homosexual acts” are not performed. But the result—a life of celibacy—is also too serious simply to rely on what we have always heard.

Below are a few resources that you will find helpful.

Books:

• The Bible and LGBTQ Adventists - Alicia Johnston
  
• UnClobber - Colby Martin
  
• Torn: Rescuing the Gospel From the Gays-vs-Christians Debate -  Justin Lee
  
• Is the Bible Really Anti-Gay? -  James Appel, MD
  
• Clobber the Passages -  Mel White
  
• Living Eden's Gifts -Catherine Taylor
  
• Basic LGBT+ Theology -Reinder Bruinsma
  
• Christianity and Homosexuality - Some SDA Perspectives
  

Films:
Fish out of Water directed by Ky Dickens
For the Bible Tells Me So produced by Daniel Karslake
Seventh-Gay Adventists produced and directed by Daneen Akers and Stephen Eyer
Enough Room at the Table produced and directed by Daneen Akers and Stephen Eyer

Most people are unaware that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality, but many Adventists erroneously assume that Ellen White did. Using the Comprehensive Index to the Writings of Ellen G. White, we have carefully studied every published reference she makes to each of the biblical texts that people often use to condemn homosexuality. Nowhere does she relate any text to homosexuality.

The most obvious place for Mrs. White to have condemned homosexuality would have been in her chapter, “The Destruction of Sodom,” in Patriarchs and Prophets. Still, she is silent on the subject. While it remains popular today to claim that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of homosexuality, there is no biblical basis for it, and Ellen White’s writings do not support it. Her mention of the vile passions of the infamous crowd in the story does not receive superlative emphasis over the numerous other sins she specifically names.

If you are feeling lonely, depressed, or suicidal, or if you need a professional counselor who is supportive of LGBTQIA+ concerns, chances are we know someone in your area who can help. Be assured that we are sensitive to your need for confidentiality. If you wish, our recommended counselors can also refer you to trusted Seventh-day Adventist pastors, teachers, or other professionals we know to be sensitive and understanding of LGBTQIA+ concerns.

Above all, please know we care that you may need to think through what your sexuality means, what to do about it, what all this may mean to your loved ones, whether to try to change, and whether it is possible to be LGBTQIA+ and at the same time a Seventh-day Adventist. We will not try to determine your conclusions if you reach out to us. We will endeavor to be understanding and helpful while you make those all-important decisions about who you are and what God’s plan is for your life.

If you call or write, you may want to suggest the kind of person you would like to be put in touch with. For instance, tell us whether you could talk more easily to a woman or a man, or if you want the view of someone who has been, or perhaps still is, married to the opposite gender. We are people of diverse ages and backgrounds.

If you are a pastor, teacher, or counselor, please know we welcome all inquiries and we will respect any need for confidentiality you may have. In addition to our publications, we provide speakers and offer our AIDS memorial quilt for display in churches to raise awareness.

You may email us here. You may also contact us by postal mail at:

Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International, Inc.
PO Box 244
Orinda, CA 94563 USA.

If you receive postal mail from Kinship, all mailings are sent in plain envelopes which reflect only our post office box address. Your confidentiality is very important to us and we will never share your information with anyone else.