Preaching About LGBTQIA+ Issues: National Survey Results

Preaching about LGBTQIA+ issues was among the top ten priorities for U.S. mainline Protestant ministers in 2024-25. This article explores the connections between queer issues and those of mental health and substance abuse. We suggest appropriate biblical texts and sermon approaches that integrate these themes.

holding hands, rainbow light — Preaching about LGBTQIA+, mental health, and substance abuse requires compassion and courage. Photo by rawpixel on freepik.com

This is part four in a series on the top ten social issues in mainline Protestant sermons for 2024-25.

[Read part one here: Top 10 Social Issues in Mainline Protestant Sermons, 2024-25.]

[Read part two here: Preaching about Racism, Economics, and Environment.]

[Read part three here: Preaching Immigration, Christian Nationalism, and Democracy.]

By Leah D. Schade, with Amanda Wilson Harper and Wayne Thompson

Eight Years of Research on Ministry, Preaching, and Social Issues

During the first 100 days of the second Trump administration, my team and I conducted a national survey of mainline Protestant clergy to explore their experiences and attitudes toward ministry, preaching, and social issues. This study represents the fourth wave of an ongoing research project that began in 2017 in collaboration with my colleagues Amanda Wilson Harper (Tarleton State University) and Wayne Thompson (Concordia University).*

Over the past eight years, the project has gathered more than 7,000 survey responses from clergy across all fifty states. We recruited participants through denominational channels, email lists, and social media networks. Most respondents identified with mainline denominations, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal Church, and United Church of Christ.

In each survey wave, the anonymous respondents were asked to indicate which contemporary issues they had addressed in a sermon during the previous twelve months, selecting from a list of 20–30 topics. The 2025 survey included 1,017 respondents who chose from 22 topics ranging from climate change to gun violence to human trafficking to Native American issues. Control variables included gender, racial identity, political affiliation, and perceptions of congregational support—each analyzed as a potential factor shaping clergy engagement with contested issues.

Importantly, we did not analyze the sermons themselves. Our study focuses on clergy perspectives—their attitudes, opinions, and self-reported practices regarding preaching and social engagement. These longitudinal data enable us to track patterns in the issues clergy choose to address or avoid in their sermons from the first Trump administration to the present.

Demographics of Respondents

The 2025 sample included 60% females, 38% males, and 2% identifying as nonbinary, gender fluid, or transgender. Eighty-one percent were heterosexual, 8% gay or lesbian, 7% bisexual, and 4% self-described. Nine of ten identified racially as white, and 88% were primarily English speaking.

Age distribution ranged from early twenties to over age 70 (median age 53) and included those serving in ministry from less than a year to 30+ years (median 18 years). Respondents served congregations with worship attendance from less than 25 to over 1,000, from rural/small town settings to suburban and urban.

Politically, 91% identified as progressive or moderate-lean progressive, 4% moderate, and 5% moderate-lean conservative or conservative.

Preaching about LGBTQIA, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Were Important Issues for 2024-25

In 2025, nearly six in ten preachers (58%) indicated that they addressed social issues more than ten times a year in their preaching, teaching, or other venues of ministry. Preaching about LGBTQIA, mental health, and substance abuse/addictions were among the top ten.

Top Ten Social Issues for Mainline Preachers, 2024-25

Attention to these topics increased from our 2021 study:

LGBTQIA+ issues increased from 44% to 56% .
Mental health increased from 42% to 55%.
Addictions/substance abuse increased from 45% to 51%.

LGBTQIA+ issues, mental health, and substance abuse are interconnected concerns. LGBTQIA+ individuals face higher risks of mental health disorders due to stigma, discrimination, and stress. These, in turn, are linked to increased substance use and misuse. At the same time, substance use can exacerbate mental health problems, especially as LGBTQIA+ folks face barriers to treatment. In other words, there are numerous intersections among mental health, LGBTQIA+ status, and substance abuse.

For this article, we examine these topics together because of the many ways in which they intersect. LGBTQIA issues, mental health, and substance abuse were clustered in ways that indicated a moderate likelihood that preaching about one correlated with at least one other and sometimes all three. For example, 36% of those who preached about LGBTQIA issues also preached about mental health. Similarly, 36% of those who preached about mental health also address substance abuse. One quarter of all respondents preached on all three issues in 2024-25, though not necessarily in the same sermon.

[What topics are preachers likely to avoid in 2026? Read Taboo Topics Mainline Preachers Will Likely Avoid in 2026.]

Here’s what we learned about the ways in which political divides, demographics, and local contexts factored into the complexities of addressing these issues for preachers.

LGBTQIA+ Issues in Society and the Church

From day one of the second Trump administration, executive orders affected health programs, efforts, or policies that diminished or threatened LGBTQIA+ people. One executive order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism,” declared the government will only recognize two sexes – male and female – a blatant erasure of transgender folks. Combined with hostile rhetoric, the executive orders have correlated with increased numbers of calls to suicide helplines from LGBTQIA+ people. Especially vulnerable are transgender individuals as protections are rolled back, federal law is weaponized to override state protections, and conservative states decrease access to gender affirming care.

While many mainline denominations are moving toward greater acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people, the issue remains contentious for many churches. According to a 2022 PRRI study, 75% of churchgoers say their church is welcoming and kind to all, including LGBTQIA people. However, only 25% of Republicans, 44% of independents, and 56% of Democrats agree that not welcoming LGBTQIA people could be a negative.

Preaching about LGBTQIA+ Issues

In our 2025 survey, nine in ten of the mainline Protestant respondents were in denominations that allow LGBTQIA+ individuals to be ordained for ministry. Eighty-eight percent indicated that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer people are permitted to marry in their church.

Nearly six in ten respondents addressed LGBTQIA+ topics in their sermons, up from four in ten in 2021. However, this topic ranked very low for conservative preachers (21%) and was the least addressed topic for Trump voters (4%). In addition, numbers were lower for those who indicated they had little support from congregational leaders (45%), those in rural churches (45%), those serving conservative congregations (41%), and those serving congregations of color (29%).

LGBTQIA+ Preachers Frequently Address Social Issues

How often did preachers who identified as LGBTQIA+ address social issues? 65% percent of transgender/nonbinary and LGB preachers indicated they preached about social issues ten times or more, compared to 58.5% of cisgender and heterosexual preachers.

As a whole, queer issues ranked second among this group at 74.5% — much higher than cisgender and heterosexual preachers (56.5%). But frequency was lower for LGBTQIA+ preachers who were new to ministry (60%), in politically divided (61%) or conservative congregations (59%), or serving in rural churches (59%).

Risks for LGBTQIA Preachers

According to an article by John Willis Ward and Amanda Wilson Harper, “Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ folks across the spectrum are vulnerable to acts of violence; the literature has theorized that not only experiencing violent acts but also the fear of violence and stigma lead to negative mental health outcomes, including an increased risk for suicidality.” Their analysis of our 2023 survey wave found “that there was a statistically significant association between preaching on LGBTQ + topics and preaching on gender and sexual identity and receiving threats.”

Our 2025 survey confirmed that for LGBTQIA+ ministers, preaching in response to contemporary topics is not without risk. They sometimes experienced backlash for preaching about social issues, including angry emails (18%), people leaving the church (18%), and calls for their resignation (7%).

Twenty-one percent of LGBTQIA respondents indicated that they felt threatened or feared for their safety or well-being due to a sermon that they preached or because of their engagement with social issues.

One said they received “hateful comments on social media and a random person showed up to the church while I was there alone to tell me I was going to hell for supporting trans kids.”
Another said they’ve “received death threats from the Proud Boys. The FBI is monitoring because they did $45,000 in damage to my congregation’s facilities and continue to harass us.”
Still another said, “I often preach about justice issues for transgender youth. I was doxed and my address and phone number were leaked on the internet. I was receiving threats in the mail at my home. Family members also received mail regarding me. ”

However, this negative pushback did not appear to silence them on preaching about LGBTQIA+ issues. In fact, receiving backlash correlated with increased preaching (80%) about LGBTQIA+ issues.

Mental health, Addictions, and Substance Abuse

Mental health/suicide prevention and addictions/substance abuse rounded out the top ten of social issues for preachers at 56% and 51%, respectively. Gun violence, mental illness, and deaths due to suicide and drug overdose affected more than 61 million adults in the U.S. in 2024, according to a KFF.org report. Clergy often minister to individuals and families dealing with mental health and addiction issues. And they preside at funerals of those who lose their lives to drug overdose and suicide.

Beginning in 2025, the second Trump administration shifted federal mental health and substance use policies. Focus moved away from supporting mental health and substance use services, including dismantling the Department of Education, an agency that helps promote student mental health and well-being. They are also reducing the federal workforce, affecting key efforts to support mental health. At the same time, the administration focused on a heavier law-and-order approach to substance abuse by terminating grants that had supported community-based mental health and substance-abuse programs and diverting funds and personnel to ICE raids and border patrol.

Preaching About Mental Health and Addictions

Clergy ministering in rural, urban, and under-resourced communities are often on the front lines of mental illness and substance abuse problems in their communities. They witness the difficulties that many experience in accessing mental health services and medication. According to KFF, some groups – including communities of color, youth and young adults – experience greater barriers.

This correlates with findings from our survey indicating that addictions/substance abuse was the top issue for preachers serving churches of color (71%). Clergy serving congregations in which 6–21% of members are youth addressed mental health issues in 63% of cases—eight percentage points higher than the overall respondent group. For clergy of color, mental health was the third highest issue to address, tied with immigration at 69%. (Racism, 88%, and environmental issues, 78%, ranked ahead.)

hands together — Hands together. Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Preaching About LGBTQIA+, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse – Ideas for Sermons

When preachers seek to support LGBTQIA+ individuals as well as those dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse, their sermons can draw on biblical texts that assert God’s care for the vulnerable and the inherent worth of all people, regardless of gender or personal challenges.

Bible Passages for Sermons to Support LGBTQIA+ Folks

Jesus recognized the existence of multiple gender expressions in his teaching on eunuchs in Matt. 19:12. For “those who can accept this,” Jesus acknowledged that people have different life situations either from birth, by the actions of others, and by personal choice. This divine recognition and acceptance of the diversity among humans and their circumstances can extend to contemporary discussions about transgender individuals.

Speaking of eunuchs, the Hebrew prophet Isaiah proclaimed that eunuchs who keep the Sabbath, choose what pleases God, and hold fast to the covenant will receive a lasting memorial in the worship space and an everlasting name, “better than sons or daughters” (Is. 56:4-5).

In addition, one of the first recorded baptisms in the New Testament by the apostles was of an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39). This passage suggests that the early church welcomed non-gender-conforming people.

Overall sermon themes should focus on emphasizing love, inclusion, and relational wholeness. As queer homiletician Karyn Wiseman urges us in her book, Queering the Pulpit, “We have the opportunity to craft a new reality of Queer acceptance—not simply to be marginally tolerated. I want to be affirmed for all of who I am. So do my Queer siblings, and I commit myself and my work to help bridge the divide that is still part of way too many faith communities. We can change—our minds, our hearts, and our embodiment of Christ’s Church. We can . . . and we must,” (11).

[For a helpful list of more LGBTQ-affirming scriptures, visit St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church’s webpage here.]

Bible Passages for Preaching about Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse

Mental health or substance abuse challenges arise from a complex interplay of genetics, family history, trauma, and social systems – much of which is beyond of the control of the individual. But with holistic support and care, people can navigate these challenges in healthier ways. Biblical passages that support compassion and understanding for mental health disorders and addictions include:

Matthew 11:28–30 – “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus’s compassion in this verse can be a balm for those exhausted by suffering, anxiety, and addiction.
John 10:10 – “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus’s proclamation about his missions speaks to his desire for people’s wholeness. This counters the image of God as a harsh judge of people with mental health or substance abuse struggles.
Many Psalms speak about God drawing near to one in distress. Psalm 34:17–18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” – speaks a healing word to those suffering depression, despair, and isolation. Psalm 40:1–3 – “God drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog…God put a new song in my mouth” — not only resonates with those suffering from cycles of emotional pain but offers hope for a new beginning.
Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In this passage, Paul invites congregations to share the burdens of others rather than blaming or shaming individuals. Applied to contemporary issues of mental health and addiction, it’s a call for the community to create safe, non‑shaming spaces of honesty, intercession, and support for treatment and recovery.

Offer Compassion, Encouragement

In sum, the biblical witness overwhelmingly demonstrates God’s compassion for people who are burdened, ashamed, or struggling with stigma or trauma. As Sarah Travis states in her book, Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology, “Trauma-informed preaching requires both courage and boldness” that opens space for honest sharing, waits through unbearable pain, and offers hope for resiliency and repair (10).

Resources for preaching about LGBTQIA issues:

Queering the Pulpit: A Sexegetical Approach to Preaching an Inclusive Word by Karyn Wiseman

Transpreacher blog by Rev. Joelle Henneperson

Worship, Liturgy, and Scripture Resources from Reconciling Works, ELCA

Resources for preaching about trauma, mental health, and/or substance abuse issues:

Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology by Sarah Travis

Words that Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls by Joni Sancken

Best practices for trauma-informed preaching article by Rodney Palmer

*Note: The 2025 study was approved in a human ethics review by the Concordia University Wisconsin-Ann Arbor Institutional Review Board, #IRB-FY25-136. The 2017, 2021, and 2023 studies followed protocols for the study of human subjects.

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