"We don't accept colored sheep at our altar"

the positions of conservative pastors on the LGBTQIAPN+ community

Abstract

In an institutionalized Christian religious setting, a heteronormative view has prevailed for years, in which homosexuality is considered by conservative Christians to be a divine transgression or “abomination”. In this environment of social and power disputes, inclusive churches have emerged, aimed primarily at welcoming the LGBTQIAPN+ community. The article analyzes the positions of three Brazilian evangelical pastors - André Valadão, Edir Macedo and Silas Malafaia - based on newspaper articles that expose their rejection of the LGBTQIAPN+ community. Using Bourdieu's Field Theory, the study explores the power relations involved, revealing, through the media repercussions of their positions, a complex intersection between religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, showing how these conservative leaders contribute to the exclusion of this community in various social spheres, such as religion. In response, inclusive churches offer a space to welcome and experience spirituality without discrimination.