LGBTQ+ and Queer theology

Interested in reading about LGBTQ+ and queer theology? Don't know where to start?

The CTF has a growing collection of ebooks on queer theology and LGBTQ+ rights within the church. Search the full collection on eDiscover, or have a look at our recommendations below.

The texts highlighted include theological reflections, Biblical studies, personal narratives, resources for ministry and much more. These books offer a range of perspectives, and are being showcased here as they make important contributions to ongoing conversations about queer theology and LGBTQ+ justice within the church. Please be aware that some may contain language that is now out of date. Although we hope that all these texts offer stimulating and helpful points, if you think something really shouldn't be here, please let us know!

Recent publications and new acquisitions

Explore the most up to date publications and recent additions to the CTF library on LGBTQ+ and queer theology.

Oord, Thomas Jay, Why the Church of Nazarene Should be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming (SacraSage Press, 2023)

There are strong reasons the Church of the Nazarene should become fully LGBTQ+ affirming. The writers of these essays - whether queer or straight - lay out those reasons, share their experiences, and explain why change is needed. Love rests at the heart of the denomination's view of God. And yet its statement about human sexuality does not support the ways of love. At least in America, the Church of the Nazarene is rapidly shrinking. Many people are leaving the denomination because of its views on LGBTQ+ matters. According to research, in fact, the holiness movement is the worst at keeping young people. This book offers hope. 

Adriaan van Klinken, and Ezra Chitando. Public Religion and the Politics of Homosexuality in Africa. Routledge, 2016.

Issues of same-sex relationships and gay and lesbian rights are the subject of public and political controversy in many African societies today. Contributors explore the role of religion in the politicisation of homosexuality, investigate local and global mobilisations of power, critically examine dominant religious discourses, and highlight the emergence of counter-discourses. Hence they reveal the crucial yet ambivalent public role of religion in matters of sexuality, social justice and human rights in contemporary Africa.

Ezra Chitando, and Adriaan van Klinken. Christianity and Controversies Over Homosexuality in Contemporary Africa. Routledge, 2016.

Complementing the companion volume, Public Religion and the Politics of Homosexuality in Africa, this book investigates Christian politics and discourses on homosexuality in sub-Saharan Africa. The contributors  critically examine popular Christian theologies that perpetuate homophobia and discrimination, but they also discuss contestations of such discourses and emerging alternative Christian perspectives that contribute to the recognition of sexual diversity, social justice and human rights in contemporary Africa.

Enze Han, and Joseph O’Mahoney. British Colonialism and the Criminalization of Homosexuality : Queens, Crime and Empire. Routledge, 2018.

This book examines whether colonial rule is responsible for the historical, and continuing, criminalization of same-sex sexual relations in many parts of the world. Han and O'Mahoney gather and assess historical evidence to demonstrate the different ways in which the British empire spread laws criminalizing homosexual conduct amongst its colonies. They interrogate the claim that British imperialism uniquely ‘poisoned' societies against homosexuality, and look at the legacies of colonialism and the politics and legal status of homosexuality across the globe.

Hanna Reichel. After Method : Queer Grace, Conceptual Design, and the Possibility of Theology. Westminster John Knox Press, 2023.

Organized as a conversation in two voices—with systematic-theological commitments represented by Karl Barth and constructive-theological commitments represented by Marcella Althaus-Reid—this book calls the redemptive potential of any methodological program into question. After Method harnesses the best insights systematic and constructive theologies have to offer in their mutual critique and gestures toward a “better” theology.

Harper, Steve. Holy Love: A Biblical Theology for Human Sexuality. Abingdon Press, 2019.

Harper strives to articulate the truth about the teachings of the Bible and Wesleyan tradition on human sexuality. This very accessible book is intended for church leaders, small groups, and those interested in understanding the Bible's teaching on this fundamental component of human life, experience and relationships. The book makes the constructive case that biblical, Christian teaching is compatible with faithful, covenantal love and intimacy amidst all sexual orientations.

Andy Buechel. That We Might Become God : The Queerness of Creedal Christianity. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2015.

Is it possible for orthodox, creedal Christianity to change its views on matters of sexuality and gender? In order to do so, must it simply incorporate elements of the secular world that are foreign to it? By attending to ancient tradition in contemporary ways, this text demonstrates the coherence of that heritage today, as well as its capacity to develop to encompass all those whom God has created.

Kent L. Brintnall, Joseph A. Marchal, and Stephen D. Moore. Sexual Disorientations : Queer Temporalities, Affects, Theologies. New York: Fordham University Press, 2018.

Sexual Disorientations brings some of the most recent and significant works of queer theory into conversation with the overlapping fields of biblical, theological and religious studies to explore the deep theological resonances of questions about the social and cultural construction of time, memory, and futurity.

Bohache, Thomas. Christology from the margins. SCM Press, 2015.

After reviewing traditional Christology and various liberation Christologies the author explores whether and how "queer" might be a social location for Christological study, concluding with the view of Christ's person and work from a queer perspective.

Susannah Cornwall. Constructive Theology and Gender Variance : Transformative Creatures.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023.

In this book, Susannah Cornwall reframes the issues of gender diversity and transition in constructive Christian theological terms. Transformative creaturely theology recognizes the capacity of gender to shape humans even as we also question it.

Chris Dowd, and Christina Beardsley. Trans Affirming Churches : How to Celebrate Gender-Variant People and Their Loved Ones. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2020

Combining interviews, the authors' own experiences and scripture analysis, this thought-provoking guide outlines a theology that welcomes and includes all people whatever their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Highlights from the rest of the collection

Introductions and overviews

Looking for an introduction to LGBTQ+ studies, queer theology, and LGBTQ+ justice in the church? Try these introductory guides, overviews, and handbooks from the CTF collection, the Hub, and the Internet Archive.

Marcella Althaus-Reid. Indecent Theology. London: Routledge, 2000.

This ground-breaking book brings liberation theology up to date by introducing the radical critical approaches of gender, postcolonial, and queer theory. Grounded in actual examples from Latin America, Althaus-Reid exposes the connections between theology, sexuality and politics, whilst initiating a dramatic sexual rereading of systematic theology.

Beardsley Christina. This Is My Body: Hearing the theology of transgender Christians. London: Darton Longman & Todd, 2015.

This book collects the theological reflections of the Sibyls, a major spirituality group for transgender people and their allies. It offers a comprehensive review of existing theological, cultural and scientific literature, together with people’s experience of gender dissonance that involves negotiating the boundaries between one’s identity and religious faith.

Cheng, Patrick S. Radical love : an introduction to queer theology. New York : Seabury Books, 2011.

In this lucid and compelling introduction, Cheng provides a historical survey of how queer theology has developed from the 1950s to today and explicates the themes of queer theology using the ecumenical creeds as a general framework. Topics include revelation, God, Trinity, creation, Jesus Christ, atonement, sin, grace, Holy Spirit, church, sacraments, and last things, as seen through the lenses of LGBT theologians.

Cornwall, Susannah. SCM Core Text Theology and Sexuality. SCM Core Text. London, England: SCM Press, 2013.

This book provides a clear overview of the theological debate surrounding sexuality. The use of glossaries, breakout definitions and examples makes the book accessible to those with little existing knowledge of contemporary debates on theology and sexuality. The book includes chapters on definitions of sexuality, sexuality in the Christian tradition, Christian approaches to marriage, celibacy and virginity and same-sex relationships.

Chris Greenough. Queer Theologies: The Basics. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2020.

This book provides an accessible exploration into the major themes within queer studies, queer theologies, and themes of gender and sexuality in Christianity. With a glossary of key terms, this book is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a full introduction to Christian queer theologies as well as broader themes in theology, gender, and sexuality.

Guest, Deryn, et al. The Queer Bible Commentary. London : SCM, 2006.

This comprehensive commentary brings together contributions on feminist, queer, deconstructionist, utopian theories, the social sciences and historical-critical discourses to raise new questions and re-direct more traditional questions in fresh and innovative ways. The focus is both how reading from LGBT+ perspectives affect the reading and interpretation of biblical texts and how biblical texts have and do affect LGBT+ communities.

Loughlin, Gerard., Queer Theology : Rethinking the Western Body. Oxford: Blackwell, 2007.

This essay collection makes an important contribution to public debate about Christianity and sex, reconceptualizes the body and its desires, enlarges the meaningfulness of Christian sexuality for the good of the Church, and Proposes that bodies are the mobile products of changing discourses and regimes of power.

Martin, Dale B., Sex and the Single Savior : Gender and Sexuality in Biblical Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.

Tonstad, Linn Marie. Queer Theology : Beyond Apologetics. Cascade Companions. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2018.

Queer Theology offers a readable introduction to a difficult debate. Summarizing the various apologetic arguments for the inclusion of queer people in Christianity, Tonstad moves beyond inclusion to argue for a queer theology that builds on the interconnection of theology with sex and money. Thoroughly grounded in queer theory as well as in Christian theology, Queer Theology grapples with the fundamental challenges of the body, sex, and death, as these are where queerness and Christianity find (and, maybe, lose) each other.

Further explorations

Want to delve deeper into this subject? The CTF database has over 50 titles focusing on queer theology and LGBTQ+ rights within the church. These books offer a broad range of different approaches, disciplines, and perspectives across different denominations and time periods. Here are just a few highlights from this collection.

Biblical Studies

Austen Hartke. Transforming : The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2018.

Hartke offers a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to help readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the confidence and tools to change both the church and the world.

Matthew Vines. God and the Gay Christian : The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships. New York: Convergent Books, 2014.

This book offers a compelling interpretation of key biblical texts about same-sex relations, and the story of a young man navigating relationships with his family and the church as he expresses what it means to be a faithful gay Christian.

Ethics

Farley, Margaret A. Just Love : A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics. London: Continuum, 2008.

This book provides a framework for sexual ethics whereby justice is the criterion for all loving, including love that is related to sexual activity and relationships. It begins with historical and cross-cultural explorations, then addresses the large questions of embodiment, gender, and sexuality, and finally delineates the justice framework for sexual ethics. Topics include same-sex relationships, marriage and family, feminism, divorce and second marriage, celibacy, and sex and its negativities.

Feminist theology

Burrus, Virginia, and Catherine Keller. Toward a Theology of Eros : Transfiguring Passion at the Limits of Discipline. Transdisciplinary Theological Colloquia. New York: Fordham University Press, 2006.

Informed by feminist and queer theories, this book brings philosophers, historians, biblical scholars, and theologians into a spirited conversation to explore what is still largely uncharted territory in the realm of theological erotics.

Historical studies

Boisvert, Donald L., and Jay Emerson Johnson, eds. Queer Religion: LGBT movements and queering religion. Santa Barbara, Calif. : Praeger, 2012.

This eclectic essay collection provides a systematic and detailed overview of the challenges and issues that the intersections of religion, same-sex desire, and gender variance have generated, both now and in the past. It focuses upon the development of these areas of overlap through three distinct historical periods: modern religious history, LGBT liberation movements, and the emergence of queer theory and analysis.

Intersectional theology

Patrick S. Cheng. Rainbow Theology : Bridging Race, Sexuality, and Spirit. New York: Seabury Books, 2013.

This book systematically examines the theological writings of LGBT people of colour and explores how such writings might transform contemporary theological reflections on race and sexuality. Cheng constructs a rainbow theology around the theme of bridging or mediation, reflecting upon the theological significance of the intersections of race and queer sexuality across multiple ethnic and cultural groups.

Liberation theology

Marcella Althaus-Reid. The Queer God. London: Routledge, 2003.

Using Liberation Theology and Queer Theory, Althaus-Reid introduces a new theology from the margins, searching for a different face of God - the Queer God who challenges oppressive powers of heterosexual orthodoxy, whiteness and global capitalism. Inspired by the transgressive spaces of Latin American spirituality, this book creates a concept of holiness that overcomes sexual and colonial prejudices and shows how Queer Theology is ultimately the search for God's own deliverance.

Ministry

Darryl W. Stephens, et al. Out of Exodus : A Journey of Open and Affirming Ministry. Eugene: Cascade Books, 2018.

This ecumenical book examines open and affirming ministry (including LGBTQIA+ inclusion) through Biblical study, testimonies, sermons, and personal reflections. Provides congregational resources and discussion questions.

Methodist theology

Osinski, Keegan. Queering Wesley, Queering the Church. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2021

This inventive project consists of queer readings of ten John Wesley sermons, presenting a prototype for thinking about Wesleyan holiness as an expansive openness to the love and grace of God in queer Christian lives. Arguing that a coherent line of thought can be drawn from Wesley's conception of holiness to the queer, holy lives of LGBTQ+ Christians, this book playfully utilizes queer theory in a way that is fully compatible with Wesleyan teaching.

Pastoral resources

Susannah Cornwall. Sexuality : The Inclusive Church Resource. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2014.

There is a huge need for churches to be more inclusive. The Inclusive Church Resources aim to educate, to reflect theologically and to provide practical advice and guidance. Each book contains first-hand personal experiences of people from the marginalised group, a theological reflection by Susannah Cornwall and a resource section containing addresses, websites and practical advice on improving your church's inclusivity.

United Reformed Church

Clare-Young, Alex. Transgender, Christian, Human. Glasgow: Wild Goose, 2019.

The story of Alex Clare-Young, the first out transgender minister in the URC, an ‘honest and authentic reflection of being transgender, Christian and human’. Includes resources and activities.

Womanist theology

Pamela R. Lightsey. Our Lives Matter : A Womanist Queer Theology. Eugene: Pickwick Publications, 2015.

Using a womanist methodological approach, Lightsey helps readers explore the impact of oppression against Black LBTQ women while introducing the emergent intellectual movement known as queer theology. She reviews several doctrines and dogma of the Christian church. Theological reflection on contemporary debates such as same-sex marriage and ordination rights make this book a valuable resource to clergy, students of theology, LGBTQ persons and allies.

Explore our Diversification Fund acquisitions.

Looking for further resources on this subject?

Explore these online bibliographies, reading lists, and digital resources:

Reading lists

Duke Divinity School Library - Queer Theology Reading List

Wright Library, Princeton Theological Seminary - Pride Month Bibliography

Brown University - Queer Theory Reading List

Christianity and LGBTQ Theology: Book List

Other resources

Unbound - 'An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice', including articles, blogs, and videos.

Inclusive Church resources on gender - including blog posts, sermons, and worship resources.

Inclusive Church resources on sexuality - including videos, book reviews, and worship resources.

Got any feedback on this resource page? Think we've missed something crucial? Spotted any broken links? Please get in touch at library@theofed.cam.ac.uk

All text blurbs adapted from material provided by the publisher.