Abstract:
At the 2007 General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), a compromise resolution
was accepted regarding homosexual members. The resolution, inter alia, requires of gay
ministers to remain celibate as a prerequisite to be legitimated. This research is a qualitative
inquiry to evaluate the impact this resolution has on the lives of gay ministers and gay
candidate ministers. Apart from doing a literature study Narrative and Post-foundational
perspectives were obtained by interviewing six gay ministers and/or candidate ministers
as co-researchers, and also by engaging in dialogue with interdisciplinary experts from
Sociology, Psychology and Law. From the stories told by the gay ministers and/or gay
candidate ministers, certain themes emerged, revealing the immense impact caused by the
resolution.
