Religion is a tricky thing for us gays. Many of us were raised in faiths that condemn homosexuality, making the average Saturday Shabbat or Sunday service feel like a weekly installment of “judgment day” – whoever said you had to die first in order to be judged hasn’t sat through a Catholic sermon.

But as sure as public opinion is changing about gays and lesbians, so is religion. Last Wednesday, the highest legal body in Conservative Judaism opened the door for gay rabbis and the celebration of same-sex commitment ceremonies by adopting three starkly conflicting policies that nonetheless gave gays and lesbians the chance to serve as clergy.

According to The Associated Press, one policy upholds the prohibition against gay rabbis. Another, billed as a compromise, maintains a ban on male sodomy but permits gay ordination and allows blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples. The third policy upholds the ban on gay sexual relationships in Jewish law and mentions the option for gays and lesbians to undergo therapy aimed at changing their sexual orientation.

It’s now up to individual synagogues to decide for themselves; the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards saying that either course is justified according to Jewish law (see page 16 for the complete story).

Judaism has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to accepting gays and lesbians; Reform Jews as well as the smaller Reconstructionist branch have allowed gays to become rabbis for more than 10 years. This move by centrist Jews toward full equality despite criticism by traditionalists – Orthodox Jews still bar gays and women from becoming rabbis – is testament to the changing attitudes about our community in religious organizations.

Some Christian denominations aren’t too far behind. In fact, churches like the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church are leading. In 2005, the UCC overwhelmingly endorsed same-sex marriage, making it the largest Christian denomination to do so. The church also created a television advertising campaign featuring a gay couple, along with others, being excluded from a church to highlight it’s acceptance of gays and lesbians. CBS and NBC rejected the 30-second ads.

In the early ’70s, the UCC became the first major Christian body to ordain an openly gay minister. And more than 20 years ago, it declared itself “open and affirming” of gays and lesbians.

The Episcopal Church appointed its first openly gay bishop, the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, in 2003. While his appointment has created a rift in the 2.3 million-member Episcopal Church, and the 77 million-member worldwide Anglican Communion of which the Episcopal Church is the U.S. arm, it still remains a landmark moment in history and a seed of change. This week’s national news story “Historic Virginia churches to vote on quitting Episcopal denomination” on page 26 has the latest on the church’s struggle to stay united.

So much of society’s shared consciousness is shaped by religious thought and its interpretation of morality. Judeo-Christian tradition is the fundamental basis for Western legal codes and moral values, and it permeates all aspects of American political thought. If we wish to see society change, religion will have to change too.

Homophobia as preached from the pulpit in our temples, churches and mosques has a profound impact on the members of our community, from contributing to hate and violence against GLBT people to such public health issues as substance abuse and risk-taking. The recent decision by Conservative Jews should be seen as a victory for all members of our community.

San Diego has a number of open and affirming religious organizations that cater to the GLBT community. With Hanukkah beginning at sundown this Friday, Dec. 15, and Christmas less than two weeks away, you may want to revisit your faith and see what’s changed since you last left the pew.

For a list of GLBT-friendly religious organizations, visit The Center’s Web site at www.thecentersd.org.