The hurtful use of derogatory language by pastors about LGBTQ people in the Black Missionary Baptist churches in the central PA region

This project explores the question: Is the language used by pastors in Black Missionary Baptist churches in the central Pennsylvania region making those in the LGBTQ community feel isolated and/or hurt during corporate worship and other gatherings of the church? Are they unfairly singling out this group for ridicule, while other groups about whom they might have theological reservations are not being singled out? The findings of my research indicate that in the central PA region the pastors in the Black Missionary Baptists churches state they are not using language that makes those in the LGBTQ community feel isolated. However, the majority of those in the LGBTQ community stated that they have heard derogatory language from the pulpit that made them feel isolated. The pastors also stated that they would have no problem with those of the LGBTQ community joining the church; however, the pastors added that they wouldn't be treated the same in regard to sickness, death, and certain celebratory moments in their lives.;My research points to the need for a more loving way of speaking by the Black Missionary Baptist churches in relation to those in the LGBTQ community.