Mark Achtemeier, Ph. D. has served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) since 1984 as a pastor, writer and theologian. He taught theology and ethics for 15 years on the faculty of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Formerly a conservative church activist and opponent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inclusion, over a period of years he underwent a change of heart not in spite of the Bible’s message but because of it. He is now an outspoken advocate of LGBT inclusion. He makes the case that embracing gay marriage and LGBT inclusion represents a true and faithful application of the Bible’s teaching on marriage and sexuality rather than its contradiction. In this advocate role, he has testified before Congress on gay rights and been a leading voice for a more inclusive church. He is married to the Rev. Katherine Morton Achtemeier, and together they have three grown children.
Formerly a conservative church activist and opponent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inclusion, over a period of years he underwent a change of heart not in spite of the Bible’s message but because of it. He is now an outspoken advocate of LGBT inclusion. He makes the case that embracing gay marriage and LGBT inclusion represents a true and faithful application of the Bible’s teaching on marriage and sexuality rather than its contradiction. In this advocate role, he has testified before Congress on gay rights and been a leading voice for a more inclusive church. He is married to the Rev. Katherine Morton Achtemeier, and together they have three grown children.