Tensions between Evangelical Leaders and the Catholic Church over LGBTQ+ Individuals
- Raymond Melendez
- Mar 25
- 8 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
The ongoing debate over LGBTQ+ rights continues to cause significant tensions within and between religious communities, particularly among evangelical Christians and the Catholic Church. Recent events have highlighted growing divisions as leaders from these faith institutions respond to increasing social and political pressure on issues such as same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ rights, and church teachings on sexual morality. While both evangelicals and the Catholic Church uphold traditional views on marriage, differences in approach—especially under Pope Francis’ leadership—have fueled sharp disagreements.
Discontent with the Inclusive Approach
One of the most notable conflicts occurred in January 2024, when Franklin Graham, a prominent evangelical leader and son of the late Billy Graham, publicly criticized Pope Francis for his seemingly more accepting stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Graham accused the Pope of “creating division” within the Church by fostering what some evangelicals view as a softening of traditional Christian doctrine (Brown).
Graham’s criticism stemmed from Pope Francis’ repeated calls for compassion and dignity toward LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as his rejection of violence and discrimination against them. While the Pope has not changed official Catholic doctrine—which still upholds that marriage is between a man and a woman—his emphasis on mercy and care has unsettled many conservative Christian leaders. For evangelicals like Graham, any movement toward LGBTQ+ inclusion risks undermining biblical principles regarding sexuality and marriage.
This public rebuke underscores a broader rift between evangelical communities and more progressive groups of the Catholic Church. While evangelicals generally favor strict adherence to biblical teachings, some Catholic leaders have sought ways to be more welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals, even as official doctrine remains unchanged (Gonzalez 112).
A Traditional Stance on Marriage
Despite Pope Francis’ calls for compassion, the Catholic Church officially upholds its traditional teachings on marriage and sexuality. In December 2022, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) strongly opposed the Respect for Marriage Act, which sought to codify same-sex marriage into federal law. The USCCB argued that the bill failed to protect the religious freedoms of individuals and organizations that oppose same-sex marriage (Patterson 67).
Catholic teaching maintains that while LGBTQ+ individuals should be treated with dignity and respect, same-sex relationships and sexual activity are considered contrary to God’s design. This "flexible" approach has created internal tensions within the church itself. While traditionalists insist on maintaining long-standing doctrines, other Catholic leaders and theologians advocate for a more compassionate approach.
The 2024 Synod of Bishops, held in Rome, reflected this ongoing debate. Some bishops pushed for greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics in church life, while others reinforced the Church’s doctrinal stance on marriage and sexuality. As Pope Francis leads the Church through this period of reflection and reform, it remains unclear whether these internal discussions will lead to significant change or simply reinforce existing divides (Lopez 27).
Evangelical Influence on LGBTQ+ Policies
Beyond the U.S., American evangelical leaders have played a key role in influencing LGBTQ+ policies worldwide. Reports from July 2023 revealed that U.S.-based evangelical organizations have actively supported anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. These groups have partnered with like-minded Christian organizations and political figures in these regions to advocate for laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights, often under the banner of protecting "family values" and religious freedom (Davis 81).
This global evangelical push has contributed to increased polarization, both internationally and within the U.S. While conservative religious leaders seek to uphold traditional morality, liberal religious groups and human rights organizations advocate for expanded civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. As a result, the battle over LGBTQ+ rights has become not only a theological issue but also a political struggle, with each side mobilizing supporters and influencing policy decisions.
Efforts to Bridge the Divide
While evangelical leaders remain firm in their stance against LGBTQ+ inclusion, the Catholic Church is navigating a more complex path. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the need for dialogue and mercy, even as he upholds traditional teachings on marriage. His approach has sparked both praise and backlash within Catholic circles, reflecting the Church’s broader struggle to balance doctrine with compassionate care (Clark 12).
In June 2024, Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, spoke at the Synod of Bishops, urging the Church to be more welcoming to LGBTQ+ Catholics. Martin, who has faced criticism from traditionalist factions, emphasized that the Church must extend greater care and support to LGBTQ+ individuals, in keeping with Christ’s message of love and inclusion.
However, the Synod revealed no clear consensus. While some bishops called for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, others insisted that any changes must remain within the boundaries of established Catholic teaching. The Catholic Church now finds itself at a crossroads—caught between maintaining its doctrinal integrity and responding to a world that is increasingly advocating for LGBTQ+ rights (Mitchell 85).
The Suppression of Truth: A Timeless Warning
In the first chapter of Romans from the Holy Scriptures, the Apostle Paul delivers an insightful examination of how society suppresses the truth, its obligation to acknowledge it, and the repercussions of neglecting or altering God's revelation. A key element of Paul's letter is the caution against dismissing the truth in favor of personal prejudices. His compelling message is both timeless and pressing, relevant to the people of his era as well as to us today.
In verses 18 through 23, Paul introduces a sobering reality: the world, in its rebellion against God, has chosen to suppress the truth. He writes, "For God's anger is breaking through from heaven, opposing all manifestations of ungodliness and wickedness by the people who do wrong to keep the truth in check." Paul here highlights the root of sin: the active suppression of the truth. This suppression occurs when individuals, knowing the truth because God has revealed it to them, reject it in favor of lies. Despite God’s revelation, some choose the lie—believing something that aligns more with their own agendas than the reality of God’s existence and nature.
The Role of the Community
Paul’s words in Romans speak of those who “exchanged the truth for a lie and worshiped one another.” The phrase “exchanged the truth for a lie” is critical in understanding the nature of the rejection of truth. It is not ignorance that causes the fall, but a conscious and deliberate choice to reject the truth in favor of something more comfortable or preferable. God has revealed the truth through creation, but society often chooses the comfort of personal preferences over God's revelation.
In the Book of Mormon, this principle is echoed in Mosiah 16:11, where it states, "For behold, if the flesh should rise no more, our first parents would have remained in the garden of Eden, and they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin." Here, rejecting the truth brings misery that affects the entire human race.
Paul reminds readers that the truth has been revealed through Jesus Christ. He says Jesus was "ultimately designated as the true Son of God" (Romans 1:4, NIV). Jesus, the embodiment of truth, is the revelation of God’s will and righteousness.
The call to seek and prioritize the truth is not merely for some but for everyone. In verse 6, Paul emphasizes this inclusivity by saying, "This includes you."
Rejecting Truth in Pursuit of Self-Interest
Another message in Paul’s letter is the vital role of community in discovering and sharing the truth. He claims that there is truth in diversity, saying, “I know that when we come together, something beautiful will happen as we are encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12, NIV). The truth is not concealed; it thrives within diverse communities from all nations and backgrounds. It is here that the truth becomes fully revealed and experienced. Diversity is essential to the discovery of truth, as it challenges personal prejudices and enriches the understanding of God’s message.
In verses 14 and 15, Paul’s eagerness to share the gospel in the diverse city of Rome supports his message that truth thrives in diversity. He writes, “I am in tremendous debt to those of various nationalities, from non-Jews to barbarians, from the wisest of the wise to the idle wanderer. So you can imagine how eager I am to join you and to teach the good news in the mighty and diverse city of Rome.” This message emphasizes that the truth is not confined to a specific group or ethnicity but is a message that speaks to every corner of humanity. The coming together of people from different backgrounds to seek truth and understanding is what Paul sees as a beautiful part of God’s plan.
However, Paul also discusses the negative consequences of rejecting the truth. In verses 24 and 25, he explains that when prejudices overshadow the truth, individuals eventually express this through their actions. “Therefore, God gave them over to the sinful will of their hearts."
Paul continues in verses 26-27. He states that when people deny the truth, they start to exhibit behaviors that manifest their denial. “They chose sexual counterfeits—women had sexual relations with other women, and men committed unnatural, shameful acts because they burned with lust for other men. This sin was rife, and they suffered painful consequences.” Although Paul uses the term "God's wrath," God is neither angry nor does God condemn the behaviors. Paul's message was meant to tackle the core problem: the suppression of the truth. Individuals who obscure the truth seek validation from those who share similar views, strengthening their beliefs and choices.
Personal gratification, when detached from the truth, leads to self-deception, creating a cycle where the rejection of the truth manifests. This is what is meant by a "self-fulfilling prophecy"—it occurs when an expectation indirectly causes itself to manifest due to the behavior it inspires.
Truth in Christ: The Path Forward
The tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights within religious communities, the role of evangelical leaders in influencing policy, and the broader theological debates over truth and doctrine reflect the complexities of faith today. As seen in the disputes between Franklin Graham and Pope Francis and the resurfacing of controversial sermons, religious communities continue to grapple with how to balance adherence to doctrine with the call for compassion and inclusion.
Ultimately, Paul’s message in Romans calls for a return to the truth—one that is not influenced by cultural pressures or prejudices but by God’s revelation through Jesus Christ. While debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion persist, the path forward is to seek truth in diversity with wisdom and humility.
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