Coming Out in Christianity: Religion, Identity, and Community

For many Christians, homosexuality is an issue. It is often considered a matter of us versus them, or worse, for gay men and women, a question of their behavior, not something intrinsic to their identity. Coming Out in Christianity examines this conflict from the point of view of a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians. It focuses on current and former members of two Metropolitan Community Churches in California that serve predominantly LGBT Christians. Based on original research, including more than 70 in-depth interviews, the book explores life histories, current beliefs, cultural settings, and community influences to learn what helped each forge an identity as both gay and Christian. These powerful case studies will help to deepen our understanding of both religion and personal identity.

Author: Melissa M. Wilcox
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 10/03/2003
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.84lbs
Size: 9.38h x 6.22w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780253216199

Review Citation(s):
Christian Century 08/10/2004 pg. 39
Choice 06/01/2004 pg. 1901
Lambda Book Report 08/01/2004 pg. 33

About the Author

Melissa M. Wilcox is Visiting Johnston Professor of Religion at Whitman College. The author of several articles on various aspects of LGBT religiosity and on religious responses to violence, she is also co-editor of Sexuality and the World's Religions and is a member of the advisory committee for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Religious Archives Network.