Evangelical Scholar Dr. David Gushee Advocates for Full LGBT Acceptance in the Church

For many years, Dr. David Gushee was part of an evangelical tradition that rejected full acceptance of LGBT people into the church, and he taught that tradition to others. But in 2007, as a new professor at Mercer College in Georgia, he began changing his mind.

That transformation is outlined in his new book, “Changing Our Mind: A Call from America’s Leading Evangelical Ethics Scholar for Full Acceptance of LGBT Christians in the Church.” Released in late 2014, the book has added to the debate within many churches struggling with this issue, and Dr. Gushee has been in high demand as a speaker across the country.

“I believe we are in a moment of transition,” he said during his talk on March 24 at Hartford Seminary. “In my community, this is seen as shocking news. For some, a very happy shock and for others, a very unhappy shock.”

Dr. Gushee said his own transformation started when he “came to know and love LGBT people, people who love Jesus despite a church that has not loved them.” He then outlined the top 10 reasons he came to change his mind and begin advocating for full acceptance in the church.

The full lecture can be seen here.