Religion offers spirituality, ritual and belonging. But for some Christians, their beliefs around LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion conflict with church teachings. A 2024 survey from the Public Religion Research Institute found that out of those respondents who no longer identify with their childhood religion, nearly half cited the treatment of LGBTQ+ folks as a reason. So why is this causing so many Americans to change their affiliation and build new traditions?
This week’s guests include Alex Floyd of Denver, who left their religion after being raised in a Christian church and has worked as a clinical therapist helping others on a similar path.
Rev. Mark Feldmeir is the lead pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch.
Rev. Eugene Downing is a pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Denver.
Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson directs the Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture at the Iliff School of Theology and hosts the podcast Complexified.
Real Talk airs on CPR News and KRCC on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
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