Queering Christianity: Finding a Place at the Table for LGBTQI Christians

A fascinating read for anyone seeking to understand the conflict between Christianity and LGBTQI individuals, this book is, as its editors proclaim, "a fearlessly wide vision of queer Christians finding a place within Christianity―and claiming their authentic experience and voice."

Through essays by noted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) religion scholars, this important compilation summarizes the history and current status of LGBTQI theology, exploring its relationship to the policies, practices, and theology of traditional Christianity. Contributors contrast the "radically inclusive" thinking of LGBTQI theology with the "exclusivity" practiced by many Christian churches, explaining the reasoning of each and clarifying contentious issues. At the same time, the book highlights ways in which "queer" theology and practice benefit Christian congregations.

Writing from the perspective of grassroots Christian LGBTQI movements, many of the contributors draw upon their own experiences. They provide graphic examples of the effects exclusion has on individuals, congregations, and denominations, and also share examples of inclusion and its effects. Equally important, the work creates the basis for dialogue between traditional churches and followers of LGBTQI theology, offering practical suggestions for Christian congregations that wish to put aside exclusionary policies and practices.

Robert E. Shore-Goss, ThD, is pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley, North Hollywood, CA. He received his doctorate from Harvard University in theology and comparative religions with a specialization in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity.

Reverend Thomas Bohache, DMin, has been a pastor in the Metropolitan Community Churches for 25 years. He holds a doctorate in feminist liberation theologies from the Episcopal Divinity School.

Patrick S. Cheng, PhD, JD, is associate professor of historical and systematic theology at the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA. Cheng holds a doctorate in systematic theology from Union Theological Seminary and a juris doctor from Harvard Law School.

Reverend Mona West, PhD, is director of formation and leadership development for Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) and was affirmed as an Elder in MCC in 2012. She earned a doctorate in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament from Southern Seminary and also holds a certificate in spiritual formation from Columbia Seminary.