Confident in God’s hopeful future and grateful for the ever-widening welcome of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Covenant Network of Presbyterians seeks an equity still not fully realized for LGBTQIA+ people in church and society, by 

• Engaging the church to invite all of God’s children into safe and welcoming congregational spaces of affirmation, healing, dignity and purpose; 
• Educating the church to expand our welcome of LGBTQIA+ people, to affirm their gifts for ordained office, and to uphold marriage equality for all; and 
• Equipping the church to bear witness to justice through advocacy and activism at the international, national and local church levels; speaking a prophetic word in anxious and divided times; and standing with others in fighting hate and oppression against any of God’s children. 



The Covenant Network of Presbyterians offers numerous resources for congregations including liturgy and prayers, educational resources, news updates, workshops, consultation, network membership, and a directory of churches who belong to the network. To learn more, visit their website at Covenant Network of Presbyterians. 

This book list offers a range of perspectives—affirming, educational, and pastoral—to support congregations in building bridges and cultivating informed, grace-filled engagement:

• Ministry Among God’s Queer Folk, Second Edition: LGBTQ Pastoral Care by Bernard Schlager and David Kundtz- A practical and compassionate guide to pastoral care for LGBTQ people.
• God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships by Matthew Vines- A well-regarded exegetical approach affirming same-sex relationships through a biblical lens.
• The Gospel of Inclusion, Revised Edition: A Christian Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in the Church by Brandan J. Robertson- A passionate theological and pastoral argument for full inclusion.
• The Bible’s Yes to Same Sex Marriage: An Evangelical’s Change of Heart by Mark Achtemeier- Highlights Achtemeier’s shift from being a conservative, evangelical opponent of gay rights to an outspoken activist for gay marriage and a fully inclusive church.
• UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality by Colby Martin- Challenges traditional interpretations of key biblical texts often used against LGBTQ people.
• Changing Our Mind (Definitive 3rd Edition) by David P. Gushee- A powerful, personal, and scholarly call for the full inclusion of LGBTQ Christians.
• Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke- A moving look at how Scripture intersects with the lives of trans Christians.
• Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue by Nicholas Teich- A straightforward, accessible introduction to transgender identity and issues.
• Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? 21 Conversations from a Historically Christian View by Preston Sprinkle- Offers a non-affirming perspective to help readers understand the theological positions held by some conservative Christians.

As your congregation listens, learns, and discerns, may these resources be tools for growing in understanding, compassion, and faithful witness.