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Jesuit priest and New York Times bestselling author James Martin issues an impassioned plea for Catholic leaders to relate to their LGBT flock in a new way, one characterized by compassion and openness. In this inspiring and inclusive book, Father Martin lays out how both the Catholic leadership and LGBT Catholics can move together on a "two-way bridge" toward reconciliation and love.
On the day after the Orlando nightclub shooting, James Martin S.J. posted a video on Facebook, which implored his fellow Catholics - and people everywhere - to "stand not only with the people of Orlando but also with their LGBT brothers and sisters." A powerful call for tolerance, acceptance, and support - and a reminder of Jesus' message for love of one another - Father Martin's post went viral and was viewed more than 1.6 million times.
Now, Father Martin expands on his reflections in this moving and inspiring book, offering a powerful, loving, and much-needed voice in a time marked by anger, prejudice, and divisiveness. Adapted from an address he gave to New Ways Ministry, a group that ministers to and advocates for LGBT Catholics, ''Building a Bridge'' provides a roadmap for repairing and strengthening the bonds that unite. Martin uses the image of a two-way bridge to enable LGBT Catholics and the Church to come together in a call to end the "us" versus "them" mentality. Turning to the Catechism, he draws on the three criteria at the heart of the Christian ministry - "respect, compassion, and sensitivity" - as a model for how the Catholic Church should relate to the LGBT community.
This groundbreaking new book also includes spiritual and biblical resources for LGBT people and their families, friends, and allies. Father Martin offers biblical passages, accompanied by meditations and questions for reflection, to help LGBT people find their place in the church and enter into a deeper relationship with God. This revised and expanded edition includes a new introduction along with forty percent new material, including stories from LGBT Catholics, and responses to the common questions about ministry to LGBT people.
Paperback, 189 Pages, Orig. Publ. 2017, This Edition Publ. April 2018
Written by: James Martin