On Faith & Sexuality

At Trinity, we understand that the topic of sexuality is complex and sometimes controversial. Given the weight of our convictions and the complexity of the subject, we are committed to having a posture of humility, making space for theological and practical conversations, and being a welcoming community for anyone who comes into our church, regardless of stage of life, sexual orientation, or gender. 

Our intention in what follows is threefold:

  • to provide a biblical rationale for our position on these issues, as well as to give clarity to the practical implications of that position for our church community,

  • to call the church to thoughtful and Christ-like engagement on this topic, and

  • to begin a dialogue on how we, as a church – which is made up of varied gender expressions, sexual attractions, and opinions – can love one another through our differences.

Beliefs on Human Sexuality

  • We believe that every human being is made in the image of God, regardless of sex, gender, orientation, age, or marital status. We understand that as human beings, every person deserves dignity, respect, and honor. We are committed to following Jesus’ example of being a curious, loving, and welcoming community that speaks biblical truth with grace and compassion.

  • We believe that God creates humans to desire intimacy (whether sexual or non-sexual). We understand that intimate relationships are vital to the flourishing of every human being. 

  • We believe that God creates every person as a sexual being with a physical body and a capacity for sexual pleasure. We understand that our sexuality is an important but not primary aspect of our identity.

  • We believe God creates human beings with sex difference (male and female).

  • We believe that God’s creational intent was alignment between one’s gender identity and one’s biological sex.

  • We believe that a full and flourishing life is possible both in singleness and in marriage.

  • We believe that the Bible affirms that heterosexual marriage is God’s desired design for human sexual expression. We understand that sex difference (male and female) is an intrinsic part of what marriage is.

  • We believe that all humans are affected by the Fall, have disordered desires, and can fall into temptation that is against God’s original intent. We understand that the world’s fallen state and our sinful nature affect varying parts of our lives, including how we interact sexually.

  • We believe that there is a distinction between sexual attraction and sexual behavior. 

  • We believe that every person has a sexual story which affects how we see the world, how we interact with ourselves, and how we relate to people of the same and opposite sex.

  • We believe that consumptive, exploitative, and non-mutual sexual activity, along with lustful thoughts, sexual activity outside of marriage, and same-sex sexual activity are all sin.

  • We believe that God offers redemption, healing, and restoration for those who have been harmed sexually and for those who repent of sexual sin.

  • We believe that as Christians, we are called to live all parts of our lives as an act of worship to God, including how we engage our bodies sexually.

Life Together at Trinity

Below, we address some of the questions that are frequently raised in this discussion.

A note on language: We use the term “Side A” to refer to those who are affirming of same-sex sexual relationships and “Side B” to refer to those who are not affirming of same-sex sexual relationships.

Q. Can someone be both gay and Christian? 

Yes. Salvation is available to all who profess that Jesus is Lord and believe in his resurrection (Romans 10:9). Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of every Christian to bring about holiness and full maturity in Christ. Therefore, our hope is that the church will continue to make room for disagreement on this issue as a matter of secondary rather than primary importance, trusting that the sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit is at work among us and through us.

Q. Are “Side A” Christians invited to attend and/or become members at Trinity?

Yes. Our intention is to create a culture of hospitality in keeping with the Spirit of Jesus, who not only welcomed but sought out the company of those who longed for community and belonging without qualification or condition. Therefore, the communion table, which is the apex of our Sunday worship at Trinity, is open to all who belong to the worldwide church. Membership, according to our understanding, is inclusion and participation in the common life of the church. Therefore, in order to become a member at Trinity, we require the following:

Q. Are “Side A” Christians encouraged to participate in the life of the church?

Yes. If you call Trinity home, we would love for you to get connected by joining a group and joining a team. Everyone is welcome to participate by using their gifts. 

Q. Are “Side A” Christians invited to participate in pastoral leadership at Trinity?

No. In order to participate in pastoral leadership at Trinity, a person must possess a shared commitment to our mission and be able to lead in agreement with our convictions. Positions of pastoral leadership would include those that require generating theological content and giving pastoral counsel, such as: teaching, preaching, and leading worship.

 

Q. Will you perform marriage ceremonies for gay couples at Trinity?

No. Given that marriage is both a political and a religious institution, we support the right of all people to receive equal benefits, both legal and personal, afforded through civil marriage. While we acknowledge the complexity and concern this issue presents for many, our posture at Trinity is in the spirit of rendering “unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s.” This means that while we concede that all Americans are entitled to the pursuit of civil liberties, at Trinity, we will continue to uphold an orthodox understanding of marriage and will retain the right to perform only those ceremonies in agreement with that understanding.

Resources

For further study, we recommend the following resources:

Trinity’s 2019 Conversation on Sexuality: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Trinity’s 2015 Member Meeting on Same-Sex Relationships: Audio


Sexuality, in general

Intimacy, Friendship, and Belonging

The Body

Marriage

LGBTQ+ and the Church

Stories

Healing and Restoration

Pastoral Papers from the Center of Faith, Sexuality and Gender