LGBTQ+ Christians forced from ministry positions discuss the transformative power of Grace in the journey towards faith without resentment -- towards radical inclusion in the face of exclusion. Joining them in this webinar will be noted theologian, priest, and author James Alison, who has written extensively on this topic.
We’ve all heard the devastating stories of LGBTQ+ Catholics being fired or forced to resign their positions in the Church without pastoral compassion or accompaniment. The heartbreak ripples out into the wider church and causes many to leave the church, some to leave their faith altogether, and for some, creates despair that literally destroys lives. Yet some stay and struggle with an excruciatingly painful maze of contradictions regarding their status as baptized Catholics.
The natural temptation for us all in this is to react to this spiritual violence with our own violence born of resentment.
Is there a path out of continual victimization and re–traumatization for LGBTQ+ Catholics towards self-acceptance and a life of joyous faith?
Please join us for a webinar on Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. for “Grace Under Fire,” when priest and theologian James Alison and a panel of LGBTQ+ people who’ve suffered painful exclusion from the Catholic church discuss their personal stories of the redemptive power of focusing on Grace and Gospel values in the midst of an emotional firestorm. How rejecting violence and staying, praying, and engaging with a subversive love in the mess has the power to change paradigms, create greater peace and a deeper engagement with Christ. We will explore how each of us can honor our grief yet transform stories of scapegoating and victimization into stories of redemption, restoration, and prophetic witness and move towards a faith without resentment.
Alison will bring his decades of experience and distinct wisdom on this approach. He is an ordained priest, former member of the Dominican order; a scholar of Rene Girard; and a gay man helping us all work through the obstacles that official church teaching creates for LGBTQ people seeking authentic faith. Some of his writings include: Facing Down the Wolf: a Gay Priest’s Vocation, Faith Beyond Resentment: Fragments Catholic and Gay, and Jesus the Forgiving Victim: Listening for the Unheard Voice.
Grace Under Fire is presented through the partnership of New Ways Ministry, DignityUSA, Families with Dignity, and Christ Church Cranbrook. There is no charge for this event. To attend, click this Zoom link at the meeting time. For assistance, email familieswithdignity@gmail.com.
