With Listening Hearts: Understanding the Voices of Lesbian and Gay Catholics by Peter J. Liuzzi

Description

Written by the Director of the Lesbian and Gay Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and with a foreword by Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton, California, this new book presents a compassionate explanation of official Church teaching on homosexuality. Using the letter from the North American Bishops, the book presents new, positive thoughts on the issue and the sound pastoral practices that arise from them. Above all, the book emphasizes the Church's position that personhood is more than one's sexual orientation and that God and grace are found in every person's story–without exception. The author is the leading Catholic in this ministry in the country. With clarity, simplicity, and humaneness, he explains basic definitions of homosexuality, addresses the issue of nurture vs. nature, and looks at what both Church and Scripture say. He provides warmth, hope, and encouragement while at the same time adhering strictly to Church teaching. Homosexuality is today's hottest topic in practical ministry, yet most people are reluctant to approach it. Many do not know what the Church actually says about it and believe the subject is one of knee-jerk black or white. This enlightening book is must reading for anyone affected by the issue: Catholic gays and lesbians, their families and friends, their pastors and parish staff members. It also belongs on the bookshelf of every diocesan office, all Catholic educators, AIDS/HIV lay ministers, family counselors, Catholic guidance counselors, and Catholic chaplains.