SIKAP GEREJA GMIM EBEN HAEZER BUNTONG TERHADAP LGBTQ DIPANDANG DARI TRI MISI GEREJA

Abstract

Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God, and their bodies, sexuality, and gender were originally created good by God. However, due to the fall of the first humans, the image of God became distorted, affecting the fundamental roles of the body, sexuality, and gender. The Church, being integrated into society, is also impacted by the presence of LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, advancements in technology allow LGBTQ individuals to express their identities more freely through social media. In this study, researchers used qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach to describe how the Church’s attitude toward LGBTQ individuals is viewed within the context of its mission. According to the research findings, LGBTQ individuals are not considered problematic, and the Pastor does not reject LGBTQ individuals from being part of the Eben Heazer Buntong congregation, as long as they come and are willing to change from their previous way of life. However, the Pastor acknowledges that this transformation is difficult and not easy, as it is a condition that has existed since childhood and is challenging to overcome—‘same-sex relationships are often closer than opposite-sex relationships.