Spiritual Care for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Dear Members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the Southwest Conference and Arizona Region,

I am Rev. Derrick D. Elliott, and I warmly invite you to participate in a survey focused on your experiences with pastoral care from spiritual care providers. This survey aims to gather valuable data for completing my doctoral project paper (dissertation) as part of my Doctor in Ministry degree.

Your voices and experiences are of great significance as I aim to understand and address the unique challenges and triumphs faced by the LGBTQIA+ community when seeking spiritual care within Southwest. By sharing your insights, you will contribute to a deeper understanding of the issues and help shape future practices in pastoral care within our community.

Rest assured that your participation in this survey is completely anonymous. I prioritize your privacy, and all responses will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. No personally identifiable information will be collected, ensuring your identity remains protected.

I am also informing you that there will be a public demonstration of my Doctor in Ministry project in March 2024. By participating in this survey, you will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of this project, which aims to enhance spiritual care for the LGBTQIA+ community in Southwest.

Your participation and insights are invaluable in advancing our collective understanding of the intersection of spirituality and the LGBTQIA+ experience. Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive spiritual care environment that meets the unique needs of our community.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to contribute to this important research endeavor. Your input will fulfill the requirements of my doctoral degree and pave the way for positive change and progress in pastoral care.

With sincere gratitude,

Rev. Derrick D. Elliott, M.Ed., M. Div.

Candidate for Doctor of Ministry

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* 1. How often do you attend church or participate in other faith-based activities?

- Never

- Rarely (less than once a month)

- Occasionally (1-3 times a month)

- Regularly (weekly)

- Very frequently (multiple times a week)

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* 2. Have you ever had a negative experience with a pastor or other faith leader because of your sexual orientation or gender identity? If so, please describe what happened.

- Yes

- No

- Prefer not to answer

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* 3. Have you ever received pastoral care or support from a pastor or other faith leader because of your sexual orientation or gender identity? If so, how was this experience for you?

- Yes, it was a positive experience

- Yes, it was a neutral experience

- Yes, it was a negative experience

- No, I have not received such support

- Prefer not to answer

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* 4. What could pastors or other faith leaders do to be more supportive and welcoming to LGBTQIA+ individuals?

- Educate themselves about LGBTQIA+ issues

- Foster inclusive and affirming environments

- Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights

- Provide pastoral care and support specific to LGBTQIA+ individuals

- Other

- Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Do you feel comfortable discussing your sexual orientation or gender identity with pastors or other faith leaders? Why or why not?

- Yes, I feel comfortable

- No, I do not feel comfortable

- Sometimes, depending on the context

- Prefer not to answer

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* 6. Have you ever sought out a specific pastor or faith leader because they were known to support LGBTQIA+ individuals? If so, what was your experience like?

- Yes, it was a positive experience

- Yes, it was a neutral experience

- Yes, it was a negative experience

- No, I have not sought out such a pastor or faith leader

- Prefer not to answer

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* 7. What role do pastors or other faith leaders have in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion in the church and society?

- Strongly advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion

- Support LGBTQIA+ individuals without actively advocating

- Stay neutral and refrain from taking a stance

- Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 8. Do you have any other thoughts or experiences you would like to share about your interactions with pastors or faith leaders as an LGBTQIA+ person?

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* 9. Any other demographic questions you can include in your survey:

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* 10. What is your age?

- Under 18 years old

- 18-24 years old

- 25-34 years old

- 35-44 years old

- 45-54 years old

- 55-64 years old

- 65 years or older

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* 11. What is your gender?

- Male

- Female

- Non-binary

- Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

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* 12. What is your sexual orientation?

- Heterosexual

- Gay

- Lesbian

- Bisexual

- Pansexual

- Asexual

- Queer

- Prefer not to say

- Other (please specify)

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* 13. What is your highest level of education?

- Less than high school

- High school diploma or equivalent

- Some college or associate degree

- Bachelor's degree

- Master's degree

- Doctorate or professional degree