Will You Marry Us? Protestant Pastors’ Stances on Same-Sex Marriage
摘要
There is a great divide among different Protestant Christian denominations in their views on homosexuality and same-sex relationships, with more conservative denominations disapproving same-sex marriage. Still, it is not clear to what extent individual pastors’ stances on the issue mirror the official position of their church. This study examines the willingness to officiate a same-sex wedding ceremony among Protestant pastors whose church does not allow for a same-sex wedding to take place in the building, on the condition that their religious group allows it. The analysis shows that, after controlling for institutional and community contexts, pastors’ educational attainment, race, and party identification predict their willingness to perform a wedding for same-sex couples. The findings suggest that individual pastors’ life experience and social identity, as well as their theological backgrounds, form their perspectives on same-sex marriage. These findings can offer guidance for people seeking a more inclusive church community.