The Unmet Needs of LGBT+ Christian Leaders
OneBodyOneFaith has published the report of an innovative piece of research conducted by Dr Diego Garcia Rodriguez.
In it, the startling unmet needs of LGBT+ Christian leaders are made clear, as is the call to action to respond proactively.
This report explores the challenges faced by LGBT+ religious leaders in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on their experiences within faith institutions. Based on nine in-depth interviews and a survey of 49 participants, the research explores systemic barriers, personal challenges, and the support needs of LGBT+ leaders, offering actionable solutions to create more inclusive religious spaces.
The striking findings include:
- 61% of participants reported their needs as LGBT+ leaders are not being adequately met,
- Nearly a quarter cited active discrimination as a major challenge,
- Many experience isolation, tokenism, and chronic stress due to being public faith leaders with few support structures.
On the 17th November, activists, clergy, theologians, and civil servants gathered in central London to discuss the findings of the report and receive its official publication.
Revd Luke Dowding, CEO of OneBodyOneFaith, shares:
“This report is a long-time in the making and we’re grateful for the energy and time given to it by those who contributed to the survey and interviews, and of course to Dr Diego Garcia Rodriguez, whose skill and wisdom made this research and report possible. OneBodyOneFaith has long-known anecdotally and through the lived experience of our own leaders that those who are LGBT+ and in Christian leadership are grossly under-served. We hope that this report shines a light on that and encourages a collaborative approach to solving these issues. We look forward to working with our partners, and our friends in the traditions and denominations across the UK, to supporting these very real unmet needs of Christian LGBT+ leaders.”
The report is available online and can be found here.
For questions or comment, please contact hello@onebodyonefaith.org.uk.
