Gender, Sexuality & LGBTQI2+ Inclusion

Living Faith reminds us that justice involves protecting the rights of others; protests against everything that destroys human dignity; involves the protection of human beings; opposes prejudices in every form, rejects discrimination, stands with our neighbours in their struggle for dignity and respect and demands the exercise of power for the common good. (Living Faith section 8) The Presbyterian Church in Canada confesses that the church’s prejudice contributes to hatred and neglect of LGBTQI people, making them targets for physical, spiritual and emotional violence. The church as a whole is called to repent of homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and hypocrisy. This section contains a summary of the denomination’s statements and actions in response to discrimination that LGBTQI people face within the church, in broader Canadian society and around the world.

• The Presbyterian Church in Canada affirms that all people whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity are equally beloved by God. (A&P 2021, p. 617, 22)
• Homosexual orientation is not a sin. Studies have not revealed any scriptural, scientific or pastoral basis or justification for programs to change a person’s sexual orientation. The weight of scientific evidence suggests that sexual orientation is innate, established early in life, and not a matter of choice. (A&P 2003, pp. 526-547) This position was reaffirmed by the 2019 General Assembly. (A&P 2019, pp. 486, 46)
• The church as a whole must repent of its homophobia and hypocrisy. The church is called to be a welcoming, nurturing, loving and supportive community, a true church family, where all are welcomed, nurtured, loved and supported. (A&P 1994, pp. 251-274, 56)
• We must oppose the form of hatred known as homophobia as vigorously as any other. (A&P 1985, pp. 238-241, 31) Anger, hatred, and acts of denigration towards gay and lesbian people should not be tolerated within a congregation or the greater community. (A&P 2003, pp. 526-547, 43-45)
• Committees and courts of the church should encourage the development of networks of support groups and formalized pastoral care relationships across The Presbyterian Church in Canada, to provide resources, guidance and care for people who identify as LGBTQI, and in particular for serving and retired clergy and for family members of LGBTQI people. (A&P 2021, p. 657)
• Homosexual acts between consenting adults are a private matter and should not be criminalized. (A&P 1969, pp. 316-17)
• The Presbyterian Church in Canada rejects without qualification the false claim that those who identify as LGBTQI are any more likely to be involved in pedophilia or the molestation or abuse of children or vulnerable adults than any other persons. (A&P 2021, p. 658)

2023: General Assembly adopted recommendations:

• That the Moderator write to Global Affairs Canada to express support for the efforts of the Government of Canada to stand with the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda and around the world and for its call on the Government of Uganda to revoke its 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, and to call on the Government of Canada to do everything possible to support the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda and around the world by working with partners supporting communities in situations of vulnerability and persecution.
• That the Moderator work with the Canadian Council of Churches to prepare and issue a unity statement by Christian leaders in Canada in connection with ending harm and violence towards the LGBTQI+ community.
• That the International Affairs Committee and the Life and Mission Agency Committee work together to allocate $50,000 to agencies that help to settle people who identify as LGBTQI+ and seek refuge in Canada.
• That congregations be encouraged to consider responses in their local communities to acts of hate and harm towards the LGBTQI+ community and sponsorship support of LGBTQI+ refugees. (A&P 2023, p. 23)

2022: General Assembly adopted a Confession to God and LGBTQI People, confessing the harm caused by homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and hypocrisy in The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and committing the church to a true change of heart and behaviour. (A&P 2022, p. 280-284, p. 19)

2021: General Assembly adopted Rainbow Communion’s final report and all 23 of the committee’s recommendations. These recommendations outline further steps toward addressing the harm that has been done, and continues to be done to LGBTQI people and others in the church due to homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and hypocrisy. The recommendations included the following themes and actions:

• Expressions of gratitude for all who have told their stories and participated in the work of the Rainbow Communion. (A&P 2021, p. 593, 670-671)
• Affirming that all people whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity are equally beloved by God. (A&P 2021, p. 617)
• Clarity that identifying as LGBTQI and/or being in a same-sex marriage are not grounds for discipline and censure in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. (A&P 2021, p. 667)
• A special committee was appointed by General Assembly to prepare a public confession to all individuals and congregations that have been harmed by the church in excluding and marginalizing people who identify as LGBTQI. (A&P 2021, p. 654)
• Funding was made available to provide resources to support psychotherapy/counselling for those who have experienced harm done by homophobia, hypocrisy, transphobia and heterosexism in the denomination. (A&P 2021, p. 655)
• Courts of the church, agencies, colleges, and camps were instructed to review and update their policies, procedures and practices by June 2022 to ensure they reflect the full inclusion of all people. The Life and Mission Agency produced resources to support policy review, revisions and development. (A&P 2021, p. 661-664)
• Committees to Nominate at all levels and in all courts of the church, are encouraged to include LGBTQI representation in the membership of committees of the sessions, presbyteries, synods, colleges and the General Assembly. (A&P 2021, p. 665)
• Congregations and other worshipping bodies are encouraged to be inclusive by providing opportunities for all to offer their gifts in worship and in the life and ministry of the church. (A&P 2021, p. 668)

For a full list of Rainbow Communion’s recommendations, download their final report .

2019: General Assembly adopted a recommendation that congregations, sessions, presbyteries, synods and other bodies of the church be urged to give public expression to the Moderator’s Letter of Repentance and to seek ways to live out that repentance for harm done and that continues to be done, to LGBTQI people and others as a result of homophobia, hypocrisy, transphobia and heterosexism in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. (A&P 2019, pp. 486, 19) General Assembly also adopted a recommendation that the Life and Mission Agency develop and gather resources to strengthen our ability to provide appropriate support to congregations, sessions, presbyteries, synods and other bodies of the church in developing models of pastoral care that recognize the gifts of all and encourage mutual support and care for those who have been harmed by homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism and hypocrisy. (A&P 2019, pp. 486, 46)

2018: General Assembly agreed that those who are subject to the discipline of The Presbyterian Church in Canada who accepted the invitation to serve on the Special Committee re Listening (LGBTQI People) or who accept the invitation to tell their stories would have potential censure with respect to the denomination’s stance on same-sex relationships suspended indefinitely in order to allow them to participate freely and honestly in the work of the Special Committee. (A&P 2018, pp. 459-464, 29)

2017: The Committee on Church Doctrine and the Life and Mission Agency (Justice Ministries) jointly prepared a report with recommendations. The third section of the report – Repentance of Homophobia – recognized that the church failed to fulfill the resolution “to listen to and share the very real pain of homosexuals and their families” that was adopted by General Assembly in 1994 and failed in its call “to be a welcoming, nurturing, loving and supportive community.” (A&P 1994, p. 267)

General Assembly adopted a recommendation from the Committee on Church Doctrine and Life and Mission Agency’s joint report that The Presbyterian Church in Canada repent of homophobia and hypocrisy by establishing a special committee, which became known as Rainbow Communion [presbyterian.ca/listening], to: 1) create a safe and respectful environment in which LGBTQ people can tell stories of harm done to them, of God’s grace experienced by them, and of Christian ministry performed by them, even in the midst of the challenges that they have faced; 2) listen to the stories told by LGBTQ people; 3) draft an appropriate response regarding homophobia within the denomination; 4) name concrete actions that the General Assembly consider implementing; and 5) report to a future General Assembly within the next 3 years. (A&P 2017, pp. 477, 28) Note: The 2020 General Assembly was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rainbow Communion presented their final report to the 2021 General Assembly.

General Assembly adopted an additional motion that the moderator prepare a letter of repentance addressed to the LGBTQ community. (A&P 2017, p. 46)

General Assembly adopted a narrative report, which included information from confidential interviews with transgender members of the church and members of their families. (A&P 2017, pp. 374-379) General Assembly adopted a recommendation that congregations, ministers, chaplains, elders and youth leaders be encouraged to study the report: “The Church and People who are Transgender or Intersex.” (A&P 2017, p. 36)

2016: General Assembly adopted a recommendation that the Moderator write to the Minister of Foreign Affairs encouraging the Government of Canada, to continue calling for an end to violence against LGBT people and for the respect of human rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity in relevant international fora. (A&P 2016, p. 313, 23)

Justice Ministries was directed by the 2016 General Assembly to prepare a report regarding the spiritual needs of transgender and intersex people. (A&P 2016, pp. 28, 265)

2003: General Assembly adopted the final report of the Special Committee re Sexual Orientation. The report noted concern about the treatment of gay and lesbian people in the Presbyterian Church, and called for the church to “take steps to ensure that full pastoral care is extended to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, and that all congregations and courts of the church anticipate the pastoral needs of homosexual people among their fellowship.” (A&P 2003, p. 545; report as a whole was adopted p. 45)

1994: General Assembly adopted a report on human sexuality by the Committee on Church Doctrine, which included a section on homosexual relationships. The committee noted that “the Christian Church has frequently shunned homosexuals and failed to minister to them and with them. The Church as a whole must repent of its homophobia and hypocrisy.” (A&P 1994, p. 262-267; report as a whole was adopted p. 63)

1985: General Assembly adopted a report called “The Church and Homosexuality” by the Committee on Church Doctrine. In the report’s introduction, the committee wrote: “First, we must take note of the widespread existence of homophobia”, the irrational fear and loathing of homosexuals, in our society. Interviews with homosexuals show the real pain and discrimination this attitude causes. Certainly, we must oppose this form of hatred as vigorously as any other.” (A&P 1985, p. 239; report as a whole was adopted p. 31)

1969: The Board of Evangelism and Social Action communicated approval of the Government of Canada’s proposed legislation to remove homosexual acts between consenting adults in private from the Criminal Code. This action took place in between two General Assemblies and the statement was included in the Board of Evangelism and Social Action’s report to the 1969 General Assembly (A&P 1969, pp. 316-317; report as a whole was adopted p. 109).

Following decisions made during the 2021 General Assembly, The Presbyterian Church in Canada holds two parallel definitions of marriage and recognizes that faithful, Holy Spirit filled, Christ centered, God honouring people can understand marriage as a covenant relationship between a man and a woman or as a covenant relationship between two adult persons. Congregations, sessions, ruling and teaching elders are granted liberty of conscience and action on marriage. (A&P 2021, p. 583-584)

Congregations and presbyteries may call and ordain as ministers and elect and ordain as ruling elders LGBTQI persons (married or single) with the provision that liberty of conscience and action regarding participation in ordinations, inductions and installations be granted to ministers and ruling elders. (A&P 2021, p. 584)

These changes to The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s theology and practice are the result of reports and denominational discernment since the mid-1980s. Prior to June 2021, the church’s position was that “Christian marriage is a union in Christ whereby a man and a woman become one in the sight of God” (Living Faith 8.2.3), and reports in 1985 and 1994 described same-sex sexual relationships as “a departure from God’s created order” (A&P 1985, pp. 238-241, 31; A&P 1994, pp. 251-274, 56). The following reflects statements currently endorsed by The Presbyterian Church in Canada as well as a timeline of actions related to the church’s discernment about sexual orientation, marriage and the roles of LGBTQI people in ministry.

• The Presbyterian Church in Canada affirms that all people whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity are equally beloved by God. (A&P 2021, p. 617, 22)
• Homosexual orientation is not a sin. Studies have not revealed any scriptural, scientific or pastoral basis or justification for programs to change a person’s sexual orientation. The weight of scientific evidence suggests that sexual orientation is innate, established early in life, and not a matter of choice. (A&P 2003, pp. 526-547) This position was reaffirmed by the 2019 General Assembly. (A&P 2019, pp. 486, 46)
• The church does not limit the roles of its members on the basis of their sexual orientation. These roles include church school teachers, musicians, youth leaders, ruling elders, teaching elders and members of the Order of Diaconal Ministries. (A&P 2003, pp. 526-547)
• Identifying as LGBTQI and/or being in a same-sex marriage are not grounds for discipline and censure in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. (A&P 2021, p. 667)
• Congregations and other worshipping bodies are encouraged to be inclusive by providing opportunities for all to offer their gifts in worship and in the life and ministry of the church (A&P 2021, p. 668)

2022: As directed by the 2019 General Assembly, the Clerks of Assembly prepared guidelines to ensure that calls to LGBTQI ministers and the election of LGBTQI elders are facilitated by presbyteries and congregations. Presbyteries and congregations were invited to comment on a provisional version of the guidelines which was reported to the 2021 General Assembly. The revised guidelines regarding marriage and ordination were commended to sessions, congregations and presbyteries. The guidelines outline relevant information related to human rights legislation, liberty of conscience, pastoral considerations, and session decisions about wedding policies. (A&P 2022, p. 126-129, p. 38)

General Assembly adopted two other recommendations related to the guidelines:

• It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that ministers and congregations are free to set wedding policies that follow either of the accepted definitions of marriage (Book of Forms Appendix L). (A&P 2022, p. 128-129, p. 37)
• It is the policy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada that in the case of a same-sex couple requesting marriage by a minister or congregation that does not host same-sex weddings, the couple shall be referred to a minister or congregation willing to consider conducting the wedding. (A&P 2022, p. 128-129, p. 37)

The General Assembly Office maintains a national registry of ministers and congregations that are willing to celebrate same-sex weddings. Names and contact information of ministers and congregations will be recorded in the registry on a voluntary basis. (A&P 2022, p. 73)

2021: Following remittance through the Barrier Act, the 2021 General Assembly voted to change the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s theology and practice regarding marriage. With this decision, people may choose to affirm either of two parallel definitions: to define marriage as a covenant relationship between a man and a woman or as a covenant relationship between two adult people. Presbyterian ministers may choose to officiate at the marriages of same-sex couples. LGBTQI people (whether married or single) can be ordained and are welcome to serve as ministers and ruling elders. (A&P 2021, p. 583-584) Provisional guidelines to facilitate calls and elections of LGBTQI candidates were commended to Sessions, congregations and presbyteries for feedback, with a view to improving the guidelines and reporting to a future General Assembly. (A&P 2021, p. 306-308; see A&P 2022, p. 126-129 for the updated guidelines)

General Assembly also adopted the final report and recommendations of Rainbow Communion. Read more in the Responding to Homophobia and Transphobia section or download the Rainbow Communion’s final report.

2019: After a process of prayerful discernment following the report of the Special Committee of Former Moderators, the following were remitted to presbyteries under the Barrier Act, the process through which official policies of the church may be changed (click here to read more ):

The Presbyterian Church in Canada holds two parallel definitions of marriage and recognizes that faithful, Holy Spirit filled, Christ centered, God honouring people can understand marriage as a covenant relationship between a man and a woman or as a covenant relationship between two adult persons. That congregations, sessions, ruling and teaching elders be granted liberty of conscience and action on marriage.

That congregations and presbyteries may call and ordain as ministers and elect and ordain as ruling elders LGBTQI persons (married or single) with the provision that liberty of conscience and action regarding participation in ordinations, inductions and installations be granted to ministers and ruling elders. (A&P 2019, pp. 5, 47-52)

Additional recommendations were adopted by the 2019 General Assembly as follows:

That the Clerks of Assembly be instructed to provisionally prepare guidelines to ensure that calls to LGBTQI ministers and the election of LGBTQI elders are facilitated in presbyteries and congregations; that the Moderator write a pastoral letter to the church; that the Life and Mission Agency provide a means for those affected by this decision (regarding the remits) to express their concerns, views and pain in a safe environment, and that these concerns be reported back to the 2020 General Assembly before the report on remits is received and its recommendations considered. (A&P 2019, pp. 47-52) Note: The 2020 General Assembly was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matters that were scheduled to be considered at the 2020 General Assembly were handled at the 2021 General Assembly.

2018: All overtures, reports, recommendations and petitions pertaining to sexuality, except for Rainbow Communion’s work, were referred to the Special Committee of Former Moderators tasked with proposing a way forward in response to questions regarding same-sex marriage and the ordination of married same-sex clergy and elders. The Special Committee’s work was parallel with Rainbow Communion’s mandate. (A&P 2018, pp. 25-26) The Special Committee presented its final report to the 2019 General Assembly.

General Assembly agreed that those who are subject to the discipline of The Presbyterian Church in Canada who accepted the invitation to serve on the Special Committee re Listening (LGBTQI People) or who accept the invitation to tell their stories would have potential censure with respect to the denomination’s stance on same-sex relationships suspended indefinitely in order to allow them to participate freely and honestly in the work of Rainbow Communion. (A&P 2018, pp. 459-464, 29)

2017: The Committee on Church Doctrine and the Life and Mission Agency (Justice Ministries) jointly prepared a report with recommendations. Each group also prepared separate, individual reports. (A&P 2017, pp. 474-554) The joint report covers three topics: 1) How the overtures were referred by the General Assembly since 2015; 2) The history of the consultation between the Committee on Church Doctrine and the Life and Mission Agency; and 3) Repentance of Homophobia.

The 2017 General Assembly also adopted recommendations: that The Presbyterian Church in Canada and its agencies, colleges, congregations, sessions, presbyteries, synods, committees and groups seek unity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as it discerns the mind of Christ in the matter of sexuality before the church. (A&P 2017, p. 479, 551, 14)

General Assembly commended the following reports to various groups of the church – such as sessions, presbyteries, theological colleges, etc. – for study, reflection and comment by January 31, 2018:

• “The Historic Argument Concerning Human Sexuality” by the Committee on Church Doctrine (A&P 2017, pp. 480-504)
• “What the Bible teaches on Covenanted Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships” by the Committee on Church Doctrine (A&P 2017, pp. 505-536)
• “Where from Here?” by the Committee on Church Doctrine (A&P 2017, pp. 536-539)
• The biblical reflection of the Life and Mission Agency’s report concerning the various overtures on human sexuality (A&P 2017, pp. 542-549)

2016: General Assembly adopted a report from the Life and Mission Agency (Justice Ministries) summarizing responses to “Body, Mind and Soul”. (A&P 2016, pp.436-439)

2015: The Life and Mission Agency and the Committee on Church Doctrine received twenty-three overtures regarding human sexuality in 2015. Commissioners participated in facilitated, small group discussions about human sexuality and sexual orientation. (A&P 2015, pp 20,30,35)

The 2015 General Assembly adopted a motion that the moderator write a pastoral letter to all congregations, presbyteries and synods inviting them to: 1) maintain unity in the bond of peace while debating and studying the full inclusion of LGBT people within The Presbyterian Church in Canada; 2) treat one another with profound and mutual respect and integrity despite differences in biblical interpretation and perspective; and 3) be particularly sensitive and gracious to all who are vulnerable and might despair as a result of such deliberations. (A&P 2015, pp. 46-47)

In response to recommendations adopted by General Assembly (A&P 2015, pp. 539-541, 46), the Committee on Church Doctrine and Life and Mission Agency (Justice Ministries) prepared a joint study guide called “Body, Mind and Soul” on the topics of human sexuality, sexual orientation, and other related matters raised in the overture. The study guide was posted on the church’s website by the end of October 2015 and congregations, sessions, presbyteries and synods were invited to share the result of their conversations with both the Committee on Church Doctrine and the Life and Mission Agency (Justice Ministries) prior to March 31, 2016.

1997-2003: The 1997 General Assembly appointed the Special Committee re Sexual Orientation to clarify the roles of homosexual and lesbian persons in the church. (A&P 1997, pp. 503, 19, 58) This committee’s work was expanded to include clarification of the term ‘sexual orientation’ by the 1998 General Assembly. (A&P 1998, p. 54) Interim reports were presented every year from 1998-2002. A study guide for congregations was prepared and distributed in the fall of 2002. The final report was received and adopted by the 2003 General Assembly. The committee concluded that homosexual orientation is not sinful and that the PCC does not limit roles of its members on the basis of sexual orientation, but could on the basis of sexual practice. (A&P 2003, pp. 526-547, 26, 34, 37-41, 43-45)

1985-1994: The focus of study and discussion during this period came from overtures asking General Assembly to confirm the PCC’s position regarding homosexual practices. Two reports directly addressed this topic and were adopted by General Assembly; one from the Committee on Church Doctrine in 1985 (A&P 1985, pp. 238-241, 31), and the other from the same committee in 1994 (A&P 1994, pp. 251-274, 56) which addressed additional topics related to human sexuality. Both reports described same-sex sexual relationships as being “departures from God’s created order.” However, these reports also described a need for the church to repent of homophobia and hypocrisy.

Read more in the Responding to Homophobia and Transphobia section.

Looking for more context? Download the 2019 Social Action Handbook