Biblical & Theological Resources
Forbearance: A Vision for Divisive Times
by Enten Eller (2018)
Forbearance: A Vision for Divisive Times, written by Enten Eller, pastor at Ambler Church of the Brethren and Living Stream Church of the Brethren, about the origins and value of forbearance within the church. He centers the concept of forbearance in the Anabaptist value of “no force in religion” that characterized the believer’s church.
Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality
Michael King, editor. (Telford, PA: Cascadia Publishing House, 2007)
A collection of essays from Mennonite writers with a broad array of experience, position and perspective.
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Congregational Conversations
Along the Arc: Worship and Ritual for Welcoming Congregations
Written by lgbtq and allied Mennonites and Brethren, 2017
Along the Arc is a worship resource for welcoming congregations. It includes litanies, prayers, readings, ect. written by lgbtq and allied Mennonite and Brethren people for anabaptist lgbtq-affirming communities.
Doing Process Well: Recommendations for Brethren Congregations
Carol Wise. BMC, revised 2010
As more congregations and institutions are embarking on processes regarding lgbt members, we must remember that not all processes are created equal. Doing Process Well outlines observations and recommendations that are a must-read for anyone participating in (or creating) a process that strives to have integrity, meaning, and minimize harm to those whom the process is about - lgbt people and our families.
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Pastoral Care Resources
Silent and Undecided Friends: Motivating Greater LGBT Rights Advocacy Among Clergy and Congregations
Steve Clapp (Fort Wayne: LifeQuest Publication, 2008)
A report based on surveys of over 1,500 clergy from 32 different denominations exploring clergy attitudes towards lgbt people and issues that prevent clergy from offering leadership in moving congregations towards a welcoming position.
Discovering Images of God: Narratives of Care Among Lesbians and Gays
Larry Kent Graham (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997)
Graham is a professor of pastoral care at the Iliff School of Theology. In asking, "what counts for affective care for gay men and lesbian women?" Graham offers a framework of affirmation and solidarity.
Ministry Among God's Queer Folk: LGBT Pastoral Care
David Kundtz & Bernard Schlager (Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2007)
A practical handbook that covers the basic skills necessary to provide effective and supportive pastoral care for lgbtq persons.
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Process Resources
Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Interpersonal Peacemaking
In the face of differences, Brethren Annie Clark offers practical ideas, helpful stories and cautious advice about building understanding and relationships in the midst of significant diversity and disagreement.
The Little Book of Conflict Transformation
Grounded in an Anabaptist religious-ethical framework, Lederach views conflict as an opportunity for life-giving, positive change. In this deceptively simple booklet, he explores how conflict transformation seeks to build right relationships while creating social structures that reduce violence and increase justice.
Exile or Embrace? Congregations Discerning Their Response to Lesbian and Gay Christians
Siler, a retired Baptist minister, describes his congregation's discernment process after a very public and sometimes ugly controversy involving a union service that he performed for two members.
Forbearance: A Vision for Divisive Times, written by Enten Eller, pastor at Ambler Church of the Brethren and Living Stream Church of the Brethren, about the origins and value of forbearance within the church. He centers the concept of forbearance in the Anabaptist value of “no force in religion” that characterized the believer’s church. If you would like a print version, contact BMC at bmc@bmclgbt.org