James Martin SJ

The Christian longing to share anguish, fear, gratitude, and awe has found expression in many forms of prayer, beginning in Scripture and the practices and words of Jesus. Over the centuries many fruitful approaches to prayer have taken hold, but often there is a certain unease about what is right or what is best. In this welcome and welcoming book, Fr. James Martin eases these concerns with thoughtful, practical encouragement about prayer in all of its forms. In All Seasons, For All Reasons is drawn from “Teach Us to Pray,” Fr. Martin’s very popular monthly column in Give Us This Day.… (meer)

Since it is a celebration of Pride, I decided my reading would include James Martin's Building a Bridge. While it is a great first step in the conversation between Catholics and the LGBTQ community, it isn't quite bridge building yet.

It doesn't name, for example, the Catholic church's role in the harm it has done to the LGBTQ community. It does recognize the CC has not always been respectful and understanding, but naming one's sin is part of repentance. In this case, there is still a holding onto the idea that the CC is not the sinner in the relationship.

It also reminds me of the ELCA's stance prior to the 2000s (my background) It recognizes there are gay and lesbian priests and nuns (finally), but also holds onto the idea that suppressing who they are is both beneficial to the church and the communities they serve. It is a "don't ask, don't tell" model. Granted, even if priests and nuns did come out, it would still mean a chaste lifestyle, so the priesthood can never really take the next step.

The good news is there is acknowledgement that the LGBTQ is a part of the church and not a threat to the church. There is a call for more listening and more acceptance. It is a good baby step.

A bridge? Not quite yet. Maybe something more than 150 pages with 76 pages being the actual text and the rest being devotions and prayers.… (meer)