Coming Out, Coming Home

Coming Out, Coming Home has the potential for increasing spiritual growth and development in our society. Although many books have been written about gay rights and pro-gay theologies, few have provided people with an opportunity to enlarge belief systems advocating Scriptural principles while embracing the possibility of gay spirituality. In our present culture many people feel the need to split the personal from their professional lives in order to maintain proper boundaries, and the private from the public in order to gain the acceptance of others. This book provides the opportunity for readers to find a deeper connection with themselves and others as you savor the stories of sexual minorities who have sought meaningful connections between their spirituality and sexuality. Expect to experience something profound when you find formerly rigid boundaries between God and gays begin to relax. Your God might be much larger than you ever imagined!

Kenneth Burr has written a comprehensive, compelling guidebook of immense help to therapists and pastors. One of the great strengths of the book is Burr’s own journey to affirming the spiritual wisdom and wholeness of persons with a sexual orientation outside the mainstream. I heartily concur with his conclusion after getting to know such people, that we don’t change them; they change us! - Donald G. Hanway, Episcopal priest and former campus pastor, author of A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion: Love Letters to the Church This book provides considerable information and clarity on a full range of psychological and theological issues including misconceptions about alternate sexual orientations and the so-called scriptural prohibitions against homosexuality. Counselors and therapists of all persuasions will find it an invaluable reference source. Highly recommended. - Len Sperry, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; author, Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV-TR Personality Disorders, 2nd EditionI found in this book sections that I will recommend to undergrad students who believe themselves to be an abomination, to the chaplain in Religious Life who is struggling with affirmation of queer students, and the staff psychiatrist who is uncertain how to talk about issues of faith with her clients. This book is definitely a very valuable and needed resource. - Janie K. Long, PhD, Director, Center for LGBT Life, Duke University, Durham, NC