Description
Book SynopsisWe are at a critical turning point in American religious and political life over LGBTQI inclusion. How each spiritual community approaches the question will profoundly impact the American political and social climate of the future. Which religious communities are making strides toward LGBTQI inclusion? Which are at the point of internal division over this contentious issue? Where is there flexibility and where are doors slammed shut? This easily accessible sourcebook explores twelve faith traditions that wrestle with LGBTQI inclusion, documenting the challenges and transformation of American religion. Contributors-LGBTQI and allied activists, scholars and clergy-write from an inside perspective about their communities, addressing the ways in which LGBTQI inclusion is being consciously constructed or denied, how their faith's teachings have been traditionally interpreted, and what textual or authoritative changes have taken place to integrate LGBTQI people into their communities. Faith traditions covered: Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Seventh-day Adventist, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American. For lay readers, clergy and secular leaders and professionals striving to become more inclusive, STRUGGLING IN GOOD FAITH offers hope for change, hope for compassion and hope for civil discourse.
Trade Review"A timely exploration of the grappling all faith communities must engage in to survive and thrive in modern pluralistic America.... Powerfully outline[s] the challenges and opportunities ahead." —Rick Davis, western regional director, Lambda Legal "A wonderful compendium of resources.... Religion and LGBTQI rights are not at odds with one another and this book helps to show that." —Rabbi Denise L. Eger, president, Central Conference of American Rabbis; founding president, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Interfaith Clergy Association “Honest, compelling and hopeful faith leaders ... share their views on the issues that matter most. If we will hear them and respond to the divine spirit of love together, the struggle will be well worth it.” —The Rev. Peter Wallace, Day1, radio host; author, The Passionate Jesus: What We Can Learn from Jesus about Love, Fear, Grief, Joy and Living Authentically “A strong addition to the fields of theology, religion and LGBTQI studies.... Of particular use and interest to those who regularly work in multifaith environments such as chaplains and pastoral counselors.... Clergy of all faith traditions will also find this a valuable resource.” —Rabbi Stephen B. Roberts, MBA, BCC, editor, Professional Spiritual and Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain's Handbook “An invaluable resource. This richly textured treasury will enlighten your mind, expand your heart and show you ways to engage more fully with the uniqueness of each person and the complexity of each religious tradition.” —Diane M. Millis, PhD, author, Deepening Engagement: Essential Wisdom for Listening and Leading with Purpose, Meaning and Joy
Table of ContentsA Brief Overview of LGBTQI Terms Foreword Bishop Gene Robinson Introduction Mychal Copeland, MTS, and D'vorah Rose, BCC The Black Church Minister Rob Newells Buddhism Acharya Rita M. Gross, PhD The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) John Gustav-Wrathall The Episcopal Church Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge First Nations (Native American) Alex Wilson, EdD Hinduism Ruth Vanita, PhD Islam Shehnaz Haqqani with Laury Silvers, El-Farouk Khaki, and Troy Jackson Judaism Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman The Lutheran Church Beth Ann Doerring The Presbyterian Church Marvin M. Ellison, PhD, and Sylvia Thorson-Smith, MS Protestant Evangelical Traditions Ryan Bell, DMin The Roman Catholic Church Sister Jeannine Gramick, SL Unitarian Universalism Annette S. Marquis Conclusion Mychal Copeland, MTS, and D’vorah Rose, BCC Afterword Ani Zonneveld, founder and president, Muslims for Progressive Values Acknowledgments Notes
