Page "Christianity and homosexuality" Paragraph 8

LGBT-affirming denominations regard homosexuality as a natural occurrence.

Many Mainline Protestant churches are open and affirming to gay and lesbian couples.

The United Church of Christ celebrates gay marriage, and some parts of the Anglican and Lutheran churches allow for the blessing of gay unions.

The United Church of Canada also allows same-sex marriage, and views sexual orientation as a gift from God.

Within the Anglican communion there are openly gay clergy, for example, Gene Robinson is an openly gay Bishop in the US Episcopal Church.

Within the Lutheran communion there are openly gay clergy, for example, bishop Eva Brunne is an openly lesbian Bishop in the Church of Sweden.

Such religious groups and denominations interpretation of scripture and doctrine leads them to accept that homosexuality is morally acceptable, and a natural occurrence.

For example, in 1988 the United Church of Canada, that country's largest Protestant denomination, affirmed that " a ) All persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, who profess Jesus Christ and obedience to Him, are welcome to be or become full member of the Church ; and b ) All members of the Church are eligible to be considered for the Ordered Ministry.

" In 2000, the Church's General Assembly further affirmed that " human sexual orientations, whether heterosexual or homosexual, are a gift from God and part of the marvelous diversity of creation.