Discover 'Outspoken: Coming Out in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand', a powerful narrative exploring the journeys of individuals grappling with sexual identity within the Anglican community. This compelling book, published by Otago University Press in 2011, captures the heartfelt stories of eleven courageous members—including ordained clergy—who have faced challenges embracing their authentic selves. In a church environment that often struggles with acceptance, these narratives shine a light on the importance of acknowledgment and understanding in faith communities. The author meticulously introduces each individual’s experience, reflecting on the broader implications of being gay within the Church. The narrative addresses critical themes such as community, belonging, and the struggles against prejudice in faith traditions. With rich reflections on topics like truth, hell, and the impact of the 'Don't ask, don't tell' mentality, this book serves as both a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of personal identity and a call to foster inclusivity within religious contexts. 'Outspoken' is essential reading for those seeking to understand LGBTQ+ experiences in religious landscapes or for anyone involved in the Anglican Church's ongoing listening process. Whether you are a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, a member of the Anglican Church, or simply curious about the intersections of faith and identity, this book offers valuable insights that resonate across communities. Dive into the sanctity of these narratives that advocate for love, acceptance, and the right to belong.

CONDITION: BRAND NEW
Title: Outspoken Coming Out in the Anglican Church ...
Publisher: Otago University Press
Publication Date: 2011
Binding: PAP

Details:
"In 2007, I underwent a crisis of sexual identity. I was married, with two young children, when I became attracted to another woman. The hostility I encountered at the Anglican church I was attending made me curious about other people's experiences. It seemed to me imperative that stories of being gay in the Church be heard, especially in the context of the current maelstrom within the Anglican community in which the Church has been encouraged to undergo a 'listening process'. This book is the result."" Outspoken "presents the narratives of eleven people who have come out in the Anglican Church in New Zealand, including two ordained church members. The author has written a general introduction, plus an introduction to each individual story and reflections on it. The book closes with a postscript that discusses truth and the Church; community, belonging and rejection; ideas about hell and damnation; the theology of denial; and the implications and ramifications of the "Don't ask, don't tell" approach. The author notes that "People's lives are sacred ground and the area of sexuality is one where people are arguably at their most vulnerable." She hopes that this research will contribute to community building within the Anglican Church.