Gifted by Otherness: Gay and Lesbian Christians in the Church

As "outsiders," gay men and lesbians challenge the church to be inclusive of all God's children--the central message of the gospel. "God has drawn us to this difficult place," they write, "in order to reveal God's grace to us and in us and through us." Basing their book on retreats they have presented to churches and seminaries, Countryman and Ritley explore what it means to affirm, not merely accept, being gay or lesbian, as well as Christian. Writing primarily for the lesbigay community, and for their families and communities, they explore the ways in which the gay and lesbian community can appropriate and re-tell the biblical story, and find confidence in their unique spiritual journey and gifts. This proactive and self-affirming book provides new hope for those who feel that it is impossible to be both gay or lesbian, as well as Christian.

Author: M. R. Ritley, L. William Countryman
Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
Published: 09/01/2001
Pages: 176
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.61lbs
Size: 9.04h x 6.00w x 0.46d
ISBN: 9780819218865
Award: Lambda Literary Awards - Nominee

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 08/13/2001 pg. 308

About the Author
Ritley, M. R.: - The late M. R. Ritley, was an Episcopal priest, a teacher, writer, and historian with a deep interest in spiritual narrative and the ways story shapes our inner lives.Countryman, L. William: - L. William Countryman has authored numerous books for scholars and laity. He is a retired professor of New Testament from Church Divinity School of the Pacific.