But perhaps the most effective of these "welcoming groups" is the largest and oldest, Lutherans Concerned/North America, which was founded in 1974. It works within ELCA, ELCIC, and other Lutheran churches to promote the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It sponsors a Reconciling in Christ program to identify and recognize Lutheran congregations that welcome glbtq believers.

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Another Lutheran organization that has played an important role in the quest for full inclusion in Lutheran denominations is Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. This organization credentials and rosters qualified candidates of all sexual orientations and gender identities for ministry within Lutheran churches, and supports their ministries by connecting them with congregations who are committed to the full participation of all in ecclesial life.

The Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church in the U. S. A. is a part, has dealt with issues of sexuality in complex ways, not all of them favorable to its glbtq membership.

In 2005 Canada became the fourth country to recognize same-sex marriages; the milestone victory solidified Canada's position as a leader in the struggle for glbtq equality.

Similar to heterosexual weddings, commitment ceremonies of same-sex partnerships are legally recognized in some countries, but generally not in the United States.

Denmark has a reputation for sexual liberation, tolerance, and progressive social policy in regards to glbtq issues.

Evangelical Christians, who tend to be fundamentalists and socially conservative, have not been welcoming to glbtq people.

Like most Scandinavian countries, Norway respects glbtq rights, and Norwegians are broadly tolerant of homosexuals.

Reparative therapy is a dangerously misguided attempt, supported by homophobic religious organizations, to change a person's sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual.

Historically, the Roman Catholic Church may be the institution most responsible for the suffering of individuals involved in same-sex sexual relationships.

Lesbian and gay couples have been fighting for the freedom to marry since the dawn of the modern glbtq struggle for equality; despite some success abroad, progress toward same-sex marriage in the United States has been slow.

A liberal and democratic kingdom, Sweden has a reputation for sexual openness, yet it maintains a law that punishes buyers of sex from prostitutes.

The United Church of Canada has been instrumental in the increased acceptance of glbtq rights, including same-sex marriage, in Canada.

The Right Reverend Gene Robinson, the first openly gay man to be consecrated a bishop of the Episcopal Church, has earned strong support from members of his diocese, but has become a lightning rod for conservatives within the Anglican Communion.