ABSTRACT
Homosexuality is a controversial issue in many religious traditions. Religious arguments are frequently used to justify punitive and rejecting policies regarding homosexuality and, in reaction, many men turn away from traditional religion on their journey toward homosexual identity formation (Rosser 1992, Rey 1997). For some gay persons, however, the experience of being exiled from family, church and mainstream society can give rise to a deeper sense of spirituality (Fortunato 1982, Rey 1997). Rosser (1992), for example, noted that in the early stages of coming out (i.e., acceptance of one’s sexual orientation), rejection of religious tradition is common; but in later stages, when identity acceptance and pride are reached, the need to integrate one’s homosexual and religious identities can become paramount. Fortunato (1982) asserts that sexuality and spirituality are intricately linked and that a positive appreciation of one’s sexual orientation is essential to spiritual and psychosocial development.
