UPDATE: Queer Clergy is one of four Finalists in the General Nonfiction category for the upcoming 27th Annual Minnesota Book Awards, presented by 3M Library Systems. Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Saint Paul’s Union Depot.
How did we get to this time and place? What paths did early pilgrims follow to lead the way out of the wilderness?
From the formation of LGBT advocacy groups in the early 1970s, through decades of conflict and controversy, to recent legislative and judicial policy breakthroughs, many churches and denominations have become welcoming, and Obie Holmen celebrates the journey by naming the names and remembering the stories.
The book contains five separate sections, one for each of the featured denominations (Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and United Church of Christ), but each section is woven into an overarching narrative reflecting the parallel paths followed by these five ecumenical denominations on the journey toward full LGBT inclusion.
Back Cover blurbs:
This is a significant work by justice ally Obie Holmen — a singular contribution toward the full inclusion of LGBT people within Christian community and society.
Rev. William R. Johnson (first openly gay man ordained by the UCC)
This remarkable book will serve as the definitive text on the subject for a long time to come.
Bishop Herbert W. Chilstrom (ELCA)
Obie Holmen tells this story in a gripping and fascinating way.
Bishop John Shelby Spong (Episcopal)
Queer Clergy is a comprehensive, carefully documented, and highly readable account of a movement that transformed mainline Protestant denominations into more welcoming spiritual communities for LGBT Christians.
Rev. Chris Glaser, author and Presbyterian activist
Author RW Holmen tells the story of the courage, persistence and faith of LGBT people and our allies as we have struggled for full and equal rights within the ecumenical denominations.
Rev. Amy E. DeLong, Methodist activist
Reader comments:
“Queer Clergy” brought back many a deep sadness for faithful leaders lost, grief for grace held captive by church political power, and anger at intentional denial of our call to love one another, neighbors, and even enemies. Also recalled to mind were remembrances of joy for every small step forward.
This book is nothing less than magisterial. An incredible journey, an incredible resource. Holmen does the church an incredible service by offering this book.
This book literally moved me to tears several times.
The Author:
RW (Obie) Holmen has a B.A. degree in history from Dartmouth, a J.D. degree from the University of Minnesota, and post-graduate studies in theology and Christian history at St John’s Abbey and University School of Theology. He was formerly the senior partner of a five lawyer firm in St. Cloud, Mn. He and wife Lynn reside in Plymouth, Minnesota.
The book is available in eBook format through your preferred online vendor (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others).