Committed to Love: Pastoral Care for Same-Sex Couples

As the post-modern American culture evolves toward accepting and acknowledging the rights of same-sex couples, many LGBT Christians will return to their affirming church communities for help when conflict surfaces in their relationships. The question will inevitably be asked of clergy persons in these communities, “Do they understand the unique conflict structures affecting intimacy and our ability to resolve disputes in our same-sex relationships?” For many clergy this question will illuminate the gap in their own education and experience. “Committed to Love” is a pre-marital and relationship counseling program of its kind for Christian couples in same-sex relationships. While some conflict structures that exist in any intimate relationship are the same regardless of sexual orientation, this resource will enlighten caring professionals of the specific issues found uniquely in gay and lesbian relationships. Written as a series of counseling sessions, this handbook will provide opportunities for clergy and the same-sex couples they counsel to delve deeply into the personal, societal and spiritual obstacles that inhibit healthy relationships.