The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 2, Summer 1992.
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of gay and lesbian life is participation in mainstream organized religion. So many persons have opted out of traditional belief systems and worship experiences; some because of the limiting political or ethical stances assumed by many mainline Christian denominations; some because early church education develops a heavy burden of guilt and self-recrimination in gay and lesbian participants. many have simply walked away from the churches, believing there is no place there for them.
For those who stay within a structured Christian setting, survival often depends upon compromise, closeting or celibacy. Those who stay do so because of a commitment to a heritage, because of the need to belong, or because they sincerely believe that they can and will facilitate positive change.
To serve as a gay or lesbian clergyperson is particularly difficult; how does one function amidst the strictures of an organized church and still be true to oneself? How can one express and rejoice in a faith, in the face of the unfairness and overt! covert bigotry of some ministries? How can one be truly “out” and yet true to one’s vocation?
Amazing Grace: Stories of Lesbian and Gay Faith is a collection of autobiographical essays which retrace the spiritual journeys of dedicated men and women serenely committed to their faiths. Each of these faith journeys had also included acceptance of and commitment to their gay and lesbian lifestyles, but not without periods of disillusion and denial. Jonathan Emerson tells of one of his fellow seminarians, and his need to visit his college chaplain for confession: ” …I went to my priest and told him that I needed to confess my ungratefulness. Of course he didn’t get my drift, so I told him again that I had not accepted my sexual orientation as a gift from God, and I needed to confess my ungratefulness.”
The expression of joy and commitment reverberates through each of these essays, and the inspiring stories told cannot help but move readers. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Jim McPeak
Lepper Public Library
Lisbon,OH
