About 25 percent of the world’s Christians are Pentecostal or charismatic. Pentecostal congregations are growing rapidly throughout the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Pentecostalism is a broad term that encompasses a range of theological perspectives. Most Pentecostals identify as Protestant and Evangelical but are distinguished by their emphasis on direct personal experience with God through the Holy Spirit. From there, Pentecostals differ theologically and structurally. A few of the main denominations that exist within Pentecostalism are: Church of God in Christ, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, Assemblies of God, the United Pentecostal Church International, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pentecostal congregations have historically condemned homosexuality, and most Pentecostal denominations have doctrinal statements condemning homosexuality, such as the International Pentecostal Holiness Church’s statement, “We have maintained a strong position against premarital, extramarital, and deviant sex, including homosexual and lesbian relationships, refusing to accept the loose moral standards of our society. We commit ourselves to maintaining this disciplined lifestyle with regard to our bodies.”
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