Hamilton Baptist Church has a “welcoming and affirming” approach to LGBTQIA+ people. This means that we welcome LGBTQIA+ people as members of our congregation, invite them to participate in and contribute to the life of our church on the same basis as everyone else, and celebrate and affirm marriages whatever the sex or gender of the spouses. At HBC you will find LGBTQIA+ people welcoming you at the door, leading our worship, serving on our church leadership team.
Our position represents a development of the historic tradition of the churches. Listed below are some podcasts, books, videos and websites we have found helpful.
BOOKS
David Gushee was one of the foremost ethicists in the evangelical world when he came to a conviction that the churches must become fully inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people. His book, now in its third edition, describes why and how he came to this position, including how he now reads the bible on sexuality.
Written with the general reader in mind.
Written by our friend Joel Hollier, A Place at His Table provides a detailed discussion of biblical texts and an interpretive approach that shows God’s love for LGBTQIA+ people and God’s provision of marriage as a relationship that serves the flourishing of people of all sexualties.
A Place at His Table is written for non-specialists but with more detail than Gushee’s Changing Our Mind.
WEBSITES
Engendered Ideas
This blog by Australian biblical scholar Lyn Kidson contains numerous articles that speak to gender and sexuality.
Reformation Project
A website promoting an orthodox and affirming faith. Lots of helpful resources