11 Christian Organizations With Most Liberal Stance on Gay, Lesbian Community

Historically, churches once shunned those who were part of the lesbian or gay community but, today the tides have turned. Many Christian organizations, and some denominations are breaking from the tradition of discrimination and welcoming members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community into their houses of worship.

Here are 11 liberal Christian organizations that welcome members of the LGBT community:

1. The Alliance of Baptists, formerly part of the Southern Baptists, supports marriage equality for same-sex couples and is opposed to federal marriage restrictions.

SPECIAL: Prayer Changes Your Brain in 4 Amazing Ways

In a 2004 conference the Alliance issued the following statement relating to the gay and lesbian community, "As Christians and as Baptists, we particularly lament the denigration of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers in this debate by those who claim to speak for God."

2. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists is an organization of churches, organizations and individuals who support the inclusion of LGBT members into the realm and their houses of worship.

3. Although Catholic, the organization Dignity USA does not discriminate and are open to the LGBT community.

4. The United Church of Christ cites God loves all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

5. Axios: Eastern and Orthodox Gay and Lesbian Christians was founded in 1995 and believes no matter the sexual orientation of an individual they should be included in the church.

6. Reconciling Ministries Network, which identifies itself as part of the United Methodist Church, has a broad base of congregations across the United States and is considered friendly to the gay community.

ALERT: When Do You Think Christ Is Returning? Vote Now

7. Lutherans Concerned was founded in 1974 and celebrates "God's gift of diversity and sexuality." They currently have 43 chapters and more than 100 congregations in North America.

8. More Light Presbyterians works to get full participation in the life of faith from the LGBT community.

9. Emergence International, though not actually recognized by the Christian Science, operates under the belief that sexual orientation should not inhibit a church's support of its members.

10. Beyond Inclusion, a group that relates with the Episcopalian faith wants the mainstream church to move towards supporting same-sex relationships with a blessing. They have ordained the openly gay.

11. Metropolitan Community Churches recognizes equality for gays and lesbians.

SPECIAL: Can Prayer Heal You? Dr. Crandall Discovered the Truth

Related Stories:

• Pentecostal Origins: 6 Things That Led to Development of Protestant Christian Denomination

• Holiness Movement Origins: 6 Things That Led to Development of Christian Denomination