We're ONA ... now what?: an ecclesiology of hospitality emphasizing LGBTQ perspectives

Abstract

This project proposes that focusing on hospitality that emphasizes LGBTQ perspectives within Open & Affirming churches will enable those congregations to more adequately engage LGBTQ people to whom it extends welcome. The research applies a spirituality of hospitality model to ecclesiology, attempting to bridge disconnections between hetero and queer people sharing one congregational setting. From 11 interviews with LGBTQ people in the Austin and Bryan-College Station areas and priestly listening by an ONA church, this project draws practical, visionary, and ongoing conclusions about how ONA congregations move from merely welcoming LGBTQ people to being affirming and hospitable toward LGBTQ people.