Sexual Trajectories of Non-heteronormative Identities in South African Pentecostalism: A Scoping Review Protocol

Non-heteronormative persons within South African Pentecostal communities experience unique challenges that arise from the intersection of sexual orientation and religious belief. Although the South African constitutional framework ostensibly grants rights and protections to sexually diverse individuals, Pentecostal expressions of Christianity largely continue to uphold heteronormative understandings, rendering sexual diversity undesirable and invisible. This scoping review paper aims to systematically map the literature on the experiences, theological discourses, and pastoral care of non-heteronormative persons in South African Pentecostalism, utilising Arksey and O'Malley's framework. By analysing, collating, and summarising the existing body of work, the review aims to identify categories of evidence and information gaps to facilitate the possibility of further developing inclusive theological and pastoral practices and paradigms within/pastoral care within South African Pentecostalism. Ultimately, the findings will guide researchers, policymakers, and faith communities in devising interventions and responses to foster acceptance, inclusion, and well-being.