LGBT+ and the Church

Epilogue

With the foundation laid in the preceding chapters, and with questions addressed in due course, I hope this work serves at least to build a bridge of understanding between Christians and non-Christians. It may also assist newer or less informed Christians in recognising the foundation upon which the Church understands the sinfulness of these actions. This is not written with malice nor as an attack, but rather to explore the reasons for these beliefs, in the hope of fostering more earnest and honest dialogue.

Many Christians who experience same-sex attraction wish to understand these matters more clearly. At one period in my own life, I experienced such attractions, even to the point of desiring relations. I harboured a crush on a friend from middle school throughout high school and had imagined dating her, long before such orientations were as normalised in society as they have become. Over time, I learned, following the example of holy men such as Fr. Seraphim Rose, to cultivate a life of piety that could withstand such struggles. In this chapter, I intend to explain how I personally processed these experiences.

My awareness began in a period when I identified as an atheist. Having lived most of my life without faith, the topic itself initially obstructed my conversion. I could not reconcile it with my understanding of the world, and so I investigated. This work emerges, in part, from that period of inquiry. Once I was able to comprehend the matter within a Christian framework, I gradually detached myself from those inclinations. I ceased to identify with the LGBT+ community, particularly because that community often speaks on behalf of others. I did not wish to affiliate myself with promoting what the Church teaches is sinful.

My identity, I discovered, rests firmly in Christ, as a child of God, a daughter of a king. This recognition became crucial in cultivating humility. St. Paul writes: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

In seeking growth in holiness, I increased the time I devoted to prayer. I prayed the Orthodox rosary, incorporated brief arrow prayers such as "O Lord, deliver me from my temptations", and engaged more deeply with the Sacred Scriptures. For many years, I had been misled by atheist sources and websites, and I redirected my attention to Scripture read in its fullness. This process inspired not only this work, but my other apologetic writings as well. Reading became a vital discipline. I also consulted the works of the holy Fathers, those who knew the apostles and their immediate successors, alongside the pastoral writings of the Church.

In addition, I consciously separated myself from circumstances that might lead to temptation. Adverse environments and ungodly company can erode virtue, and so I prioritised Christian communities for social interaction. This was not an exercise in isolation, but rather a placing of value on fellowship with those whose lives were centred upon God.

I encourage diligence in cultivating faith; it must be enlivened, not burdened with harm. For those wishing to engage in conversation, I am available to private correspondence, and questions may be posted below for discussion.