Congregations Talking
About Homosexuality  
Beth Ann Gaede, Editor

Rating:     

This brief book is an excellent and practical resource for congregations, groups or

 individuals who are considering the systematic exploration of homosexuality (or any other difficult issue) within any larger group.  The contributors blend useful guidelines for leading such discussions with actual case studies to provide down-to-earth advice and wisdom.  The insightfulness, conciseness, and practicality of this book will not waste the reader's time and, in fact, may prevent a great deal of pain in navigating rough seas on this often volatile issue.

The book itself is not a resource on homosexuality but a resource on the process by which a large

 group of individuals with widely varying viewpoints can be led carefully, respectfully, and systematically through a discussion of this topic.  Part 1's practicality includes a chapter on the ambivalence in Christian history and our society toward sexuality and talking about it publicly.  Also included are chapters on:  why homosexuality itself is so hard to discuss and the stages of such a process; approaches for handling issues with particular potential for explosiveness; explicit rules for groups to use in talking about any difficult issue.  Strongly emphasized is the necessity that leaders of such a process build a foundation by offering pastoral care to all concerned, so that the emotional dimension of the issue is consciously and respectfully addressed before primary focus is placed on intellectual discussion and problem-solving.

Part 2 offers seven case studies of congregations around the U.S. which have undergone the process of discussing homosexuality.  These studies offer glimpses of the processes in action, revealing both mistakes and successes, with some details of actual programming and leadership, along with results of the process.

In Part 3 the concluding two chapters offer summaries of the case studies with analysis by an expert in work with congregations in conflict of what worked and did not work and, finally, congregational conflict consultant, Speed Leas' careful consideration of any congregation's movement between the poles of needing calming comfort or needing challenge.

Congregational leaders, both professional and lay, will find this book a lucid jewel, a "bible" of sorts for discernment of their group's readiness and how to proceed.  The book concludes with nine pages of resources both on the topic of homosexuality as well as on the process of leading a congregation through a controversial issue.

Wayne Copenhaver has been active in conflict resolution and other peacemaking endeavors in Richmond, Indiana, where he is Pastoral Assistant at First Friends Meeting.