Justin Lee

Justin Lee

Justin Lee is the founder and executive director of The Gay Christian Network, an interdenominational nonprofit organization engaging Christians from differing theological perspectives to work together for a more loving, grace-filled church for all.

Justin grew up as a conservative Southern Baptist, preaching against gay acceptance until questions about his own sexuality forced him to reconsider everything he thought he knew. Today, he works to help people on both sides understand and show grace to one another.

Justin is the author of Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate, which has been widely cited for its role in shaping modern Christian attitudes toward LGBT people. Evangelical author Rachel Held Evans called it “the most important book I’ve read in years,” Dr. Tony Campolo said it was “crucial for the destiny of the church,” and the then-Archbishop of Canterbury welcomed it as “full of…fresh air, common sense and manifest love of Christ.” Today, it has become required reading in a number of universities, seminaries, and churches where LGBT issues are being discussed, and the book’s Dutch translation has inspired an LGBT Christian support group of the same name in the Netherlands.

Justin speaks frequently across the country and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Dr. Phil, Anderson Cooper 360, NPR’s All Things Considered, and a front page story in The New York Times. He writes about issues of faith and culture on his own blog, Crumbs from the Communion Table, at JustinLee.co.