Religious conflicts experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals

A qualitative and quantitative study of 66 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) respondents examined perceived conflicts between religion and sexual orientation. Nearly two-thirds reported having experienced such conflicts. Sources of conflict included denominational teachings, scriptural passages, and congregational prejudice. Reactions included shame, depression, and suicidal ideation. Resolutions included identifying as spiritual rather than religious, reinterpreting religious teachings, changing affiliations, remaining religious but not attending, and abandoning religion altogether. Respondents listed resources that helped them achieve positive resolutions. The experience of conflict was associated with greater difficulty in coming out and with greater diversity in age at coming out, suggesting that religious conflicts can affect LGB identity formation. Implications for practice with religious LGB clients are discussed. KEYWORDS. Coming out, homosexuality, identity formation, psychotherapy, religion, religious conflict, spirituality