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THE USE OF THE COMMUNION RITUAL FOR THE PROCESS OF IDENTITY CONGRUENCE AMONG LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS

Brumbaugh, Stacey M.

Abstract Details

2007, Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, Sociology.
Utilizing Identity Theory (Stryker 1980), this study contributes to the previous literature on lesbigay Christian identity negotiation by examining how participation in a religious community, particularly how participation in the ritual act of communion, aids in lesbigay Christians’ ability to reconcile their identities. The complexities of lesbigay Christians’ use of communion for their identity congruence are examined through the analysis of ritual and narrative. Participant observation and focus groups were conducted within a church consisting primarily of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Through six main findings this study demonstrates how lesbigay Christians uniquely perform the communion ritual and attach meanings to it in such a way that allows participation to aid in the process of identity congruence. These six findings are: communion demonstrates full love and acceptance, tolerates religious diversity, celebrates individualistic spirituality, creates a sense of belonging, affirms same-sex partnership, and is an act of social justice. This paper also discusses the implications of these findings and provides direction for future research.
Monica Longmore (Advisor)
58 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brumbaugh, S. M. (2007). THE USE OF THE COMMUNION RITUAL FOR THE PROCESS OF IDENTITY CONGRUENCE AMONG LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1178308961

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brumbaugh, Stacey. THE USE OF THE COMMUNION RITUAL FOR THE PROCESS OF IDENTITY CONGRUENCE AMONG LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS. 2007. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1178308961.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brumbaugh, Stacey. "THE USE OF THE COMMUNION RITUAL FOR THE PROCESS OF IDENTITY CONGRUENCE AMONG LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL CHRISTIANS." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1178308961

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)