Religion and the Politics of Sexuality

Abstract

Using data from open-ended interviews with religious leaders in three Chicago neighborhoods in combination with demographic and survey data for area residents, this article demonstrates how local sexual norms and practices shape congregational responses to sexuality issues. These data reveal that local norms about sexual behavior and identity, and congregational identities and histories, are usually more salient than polity, official teaching, or denominational affiliation. The authors describe how local cultures, structures, and concerns—from the identities and traditions of each congregation to the demographics and institutional infrastructure of each neighborhood—produce sometimes reinforcing and often cross-cutting pressures that drive congregational approaches to human sexuality.

‘At times, I feel like I'm sinning’: the paradoxical role of non-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-affirming religion in the lives of behaviourally-bisexual Latino men

“…In their examination of the role of local sexual norms in shaping congregational Protestant and Catholic teachings, Ellingson, et al, found that there were often sizable discrepancies between official teachings and the practices of local congregants, although the teachings did “minimally serve as guideposts...by outlining the boundaries of moral and immoral behaviour” (Ellingson, et al 2001, 11). Indeed, a discrepancy between official church proscriptions and beliefs and practices of the religiously affiliated may be considered culturally acceptable by some adherents.…”

Religion and union formation in Italy: Catholic precepts, social pressure, and tradition

“…Catholic principles thus dictate a sharp transition from the family of origin to the family of procreation, which leaves little (or no) space for cohabitation. Importantly, religions that rely on a hierarchically organized church and which are dominant throughout a country (as is the case for the Roman Catholic Church in Italy) should face weaker discrepancies between official dogmas and the local teachings and practices of Church officials (Ellingson et al 2001).…”

Beyond the Liberal-Conservative Divide: Assessing the Relationship Between Religious Denominations and Their Associated LGBT Organizations

“…The original coding performed by Kniss is consistent with empirical findings and theoretical orientations regarding the moral positions taken by American denominations in other work (see Ammerman 2005, particularly chapter 5; Ellingson et al 2001). For this paper, we followed Wellman's (1999) research using the same mapping framework.…”

“…The data for this paper come predominantly from the published materials of the groups in question and, as Ellingson et al (2001) suggest, these official discourses may not map directly onto the behavior of groups and individuals at the micro-and meso-level. We believe, therefore, that this research can be further strengthened by additional data that explores our hypotheses in the context of the lived experiences of LGBT individuals.…”