"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit." (1Cor 12:4): images of the self and concepts of office of LGBTQ* pastors in Germany. Issue 2 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Häneke, Florence
• Is Part Of: Theology & sexuality. Volume 24:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: LGBTIAQ* -- pastoral theology -- pastoral care -- vicarage -- Germany -- same-sex marriage -- transgender -- queer pastors -- biographical interviews -- empirical research; Sex -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- Periodicals; 261.835
• DOI: 10.1080/13558358.2018.1463641
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-8358

Abstract

ABSTRACT: After providing background information on the legal status and admission of LGBTIAQ* pastors in Germany, the paper focusses on experiences of LGBTQ* Protestant pastors in the major German Protestant church (Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland) to explore how they include their sexual orientation and/or gender in their pastoral work. LGBTIAQ* pastors face the challenge of managing visibility and discretion, in relation to a heteronormative setting, as well as the specific expectations of LGBTIAQ* Christians. The presumption of shared experiences and knowledge by similarly marginalized people plays a part in their ministry. The paper argues that embracing those experiences and community knowledge as part of pastoral theology can strengthen their reflection on pastoral work.