A Handbook that contains Authentic, Updated Information, and Answers Sensitive Questions about Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity
It gives fresh Biblical and Theological Insights, shows how the Indian Churches and Theological Colleges are responding to Unheard Voices from the Sexual Minorities, and includes Medical, Psychological and Legal Responses to questions and statements like:
- Human Sexuality? Why discuss such dirty/sinful issues in a holy place like the Church?
- Lesbians and Gays don't exist in India - they come from the Western countries.
- Wasn't Sodom destroyed because of homosexuality? Isn't that what the Bible says?
- Sexual Minorities are dangerous to our churches and communitiesthey shouldn't be allowed in.
- Can a person showing homosexual or transgender tendencies be cured by prayer or medicine or psychiatry?
This pathbreaking Handbook jointly published by the National Council of Churches in India [NCCI], takes a candid look at the issues of human sexuality and gender diversity from a Christian point of view. It boldly takes up issues which many Christians feel are taboo, and which the Church all too easily sweeps under the carpet or keeps hidden in the guise of purity and holiness. It is a 'readyreckoner' for Church leaders, pastors, laypeople, women's groups and the youth of the Church, for students of theology, for personnel working in Christian organizations, and also for other faith communities seeking to understand and come to grips with these sensitive topics. It offers what could possibly be a Christian response, and reminds readers of the tolerance, acceptance and love that Jesus Christ showed to the marginalized and those considered 'sinners' in his own time.
The Editor, Philip Kuruvilla, is an ordained minister in the Indian Orthodox Church.
He has been working with the National Council of Churches in India and the Christian Conference of Asia
in the field of Human Rights, HIV & AIDS, and Sexual Minority issues.