Gifted by Otherness: Gay and Lesbian Christians in the Church

ISBN: 0819218863

Author: Ritley, M. R.

Condition: New

Proactive and self-affirming book provides new hope for those who feel that it is impossible to be both gay or lesbian, as well as Christian.Gay and lesbian Christians are in the awkward position of trying to explain themselves to two mutually hostile audiences. On the one side, the gay-lesbian community is often deeply suspicious of anyone connected with Christianity. On the other side sits the church, which often wishes that gays and lesbians would go away, or at least disappear into the woodwork quietly. But the gay and lesbian community has a unique vocation in todays church, one of challenging the churchs to be inclusive of all Gods children-the central message of the Gospel.Based on retreats they have presented to churches and seminaries, authors L. William Countryman and M. R. Ritley explore what it means to affirm, not merely accept, being gay and lesbian, as well as being Christian. This pro-active and self-affirming book provides new hope for the LGBT community, their families, and confidently appropriating and retelling the Biblical story of this unique and gifted minoritys spiritual journey.[A] powerful Magna Carta for gay and lesbian Christians and a compelling call to the church not to stand in the way of Jesuss unconditional love.-Malcolm Boyd, author of Are You Running with Me, Jesus?