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Creating a Space for Spiritual Practice: Pastoral Possibilities with Sexual Minorities

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Abstract

Is a religious gay person an oxymoron? It appears possible, given that the research on religion and spirituality among sexual minority individuals is so limited. While books written on the intersection of religion and psychotherapy may include a chapter addressing the religious and spiritual lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, there are no critical texts focusing solely on this issue. In this paper, we review some of the most recent research on homosexuality, religion, and spirituality, and discuss how LGB individuals may integrate these two identities. A case presentation is offered and implications for pastoral counselors and methods of supporting the integration of the spiritual/religious identity in tandem with a LGB identity are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education, University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center, Campus Box 106, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO, 80217-3364, USA

    Matthew Heermann, Marsha I. Wiggins & Philip A. Rutter

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  1. Matthew Heermann
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  2. Marsha I. Wiggins
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  3. Philip A. Rutter
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Correspondence to Marsha I. Wiggins.

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Heermann, M., Wiggins, M.I. & Rutter, P.A. Creating a Space for Spiritual Practice: Pastoral Possibilities with Sexual Minorities. Pastoral Psychol 55, 711–721 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-007-0085-y

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