An Introduction to Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People

A training session designed to help leaders offer compassionate pastoral support to LGBTQ+ young people.

Throughout The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory there are young people who identify as LGBTQ+. Following conversations with local youth workers and corps leaders, the Children and Youth Department found that many felt unsure and even fearful when it came to engaging with young people around identity and gender. What is the right language to use? What sort of issues might they be facing? How do I go about supporting them pastorally?

This training seeks to help people gain a deeper understanding of what it's like to be an LGBTQ+ teen in the Church – to give youth workers the tools and the knowledge to make all young people feel safe, happy and loved.

Sessions are facilitated by trained divisional youth specialists. They usually take around 2 hours and include video testimonies, group discussion, learning terminology and acronyms, and moments of prayerful reflection. Each participant is given a handbook with a summary of the course content.

• To find out about training dates in your area, please contact your division – information is available at salvationist.org.uk/divisions.
• For more information about the training sessions, please email childrenyouth@salvationarmy.org.uk.