Religious Institute urges support of gay teens on Coming Out Day

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http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2011/10/10/religious-institute-urges-support-of-gay-teens-on-coming-out-day/

The Religious Institute calls on the nation’s clergy to speak out in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teens and young adults in recognition of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11

Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old boy who was subjected to anti-gay bullying after making a video to encourage other gay teens, is the latest gay teen to commit suicide.

“All of us have teens and young adults who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender in our congregations, many who are suffering in silence and are at risk,” noted Rev. Debra W. Haffner, executive director of the Religious Institute.

Studies show that almost six in ten clergy from mainline denominations support the full inclusion and acceptance of LGBT persons, yet other studies have found that eight in ten clergy don’t have programs in their congregations to support LGBT youth.

“We have known for more than 30 years that at least one third of all suicides to teens are to gay youth,” Haffner said.

The Religious Institute has created new worship resources in support of National Coming Out Day. They include a responsive reading, prayers, a prayer litany and more, available at www.religiousinstitute.org/lgbtqworship. Additional resources for sermon preparation or religious education are available at www.religiousinstitute.org/resources.