About the Book
We 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.
Table of Contents:
A 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
About the Author :
Mychal Copeland, MTS, speaks and writes about the inclusion of LGBTQI people and interfaith families in religious life. As Bay Area director of InterfaithFamily, she helps couples navigate diversity of religious and cultural backgrounds, and as rabbi at Stanford University, she led multifaith and Jewish student groups exploring the intersections between religion and sexuality. She also served at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City, the world's largest LGBTQI synagogue.
D'vorah Rose, BCC, a multifaith healthcare chaplain, rabbi and palliative care and hospice nurse, consults with and advises healthcare institutions throughout the United States and internationally on the intersections of religious and cultural diversity, pluralism and healthcare status, with a specific focus on historically underserved communities, including LGBTQI patients and healthcare providers.
Ani Zonneveld is founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values. She is also coeditor of Progressive Muslim Identities: Personal Stories from the U.S. and Canada.
The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson was the ninth Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, being the first openly gay, partnered priest to become a bishop in historic Christianity. He is currently a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, Washington, DC.
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
