For They Know Not What They Do: A Study Guide and Advocacy Training Curriculum Accompanying The Documentary

Produced by the HRC Foundation

Created to accompany the film “For They Know Not What They Do,” a documentary which explores the intersections of religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and American politics, this user-friendly guide will enable anyone to facilitate a moving conversation about the Bible, Christianity and LGBTQ+ people. Both the film and the guide are meant to empower audiences and participants by elevating deeper conversations about religion and LGBTQ +identities while fostering a religious movement that goes beyond acceptance and into advocacy.

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For They Know Not What They Do: A Study Guide and Advocacy Training Curriculum

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"For They Know Not What They Do" is a documentary that explores the intersection of religion, sexual orientation and gender identity in current-day America.

This guide is divided into three sections: (1) an initial opportunity to discuss the feelings evoked by the film about religion, faith, politics and LGBTQ+ identities; (2) a guided conversation about the Bible — both how it is often used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and how it is a source of empowerment and liberation; and (3) a step-by-step training to move people of faith and congregations from acceptance to public advocacy.

The guide also includes helpful information and additional resources to help empower LGBTQ+ people of faith to be affirming advocates.

There are three ways you can view the film: (1) personal viewing using this link to access the film (2) set-up a viewing party through Amazon to watch the film with others and (3) community viewings. *For community viewings —**with family, friends, and faith communities—you can purchase a DVD and screening license online through the HRC store.

Authors:

Michael Vazquez, Author-"Film Initial Discussion Guide," "Film Bible Study Guide"
Religion & Faith Director, Human Rights Campaign
Master of Theological Studies, Duke Divinity School

Myles Markham, Author-"What Does The Bible Say About Homosexuality?"
Co-author-"What Does The Bible Say About Transgender People?"
Christian Educator
Master of Arts of Practical Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary

Austen Hartke, Co-Author-"What Does the Bible Say About Transgender People"
Theologian
Master of Arts in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies, Luther Seminary

Editors:

Michael Vazquez, Lead Editor
Religion & Faith Director, Human Rights Campaign
Master of Theological Studies, Duke Divinity School

Stan Mitchell, Contributing Editor
Co-Founding Pastor, Grace Pointe Church
Co-Founder, Everybody Church
Master of Theological Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School

Josh Scott, Contributing Editor
Lead Pastor, Grace Pointe Church
Master of Arts in Religion, Western Kentucky University

*Please note: It is illegal to show this film in any public setting (including a congregation) without an educational license.

**HRC strongly advises participants and viewers to refrain from gathering with individuals who are not members of the same household due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.


The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.