Bibliography: Lesbian and Gay Theology

Paul Halsall

December 29, 1995

This bibliography, in contrast to the very large Lesbian and Gay Catholic Bibliography, which attempts to include related to the Lesbian and Gay Catholic experience, focuses exclusively on positive efforts to develop a Lesbian and Gay Christian Theology. This is a cutting edge area of theological thought, and the books here are the early fruits of thought. Where known, I have indicated which religious tradition the writer belongs to. Especially significant books, which in my opinion broke new ground, are marked with an asterisk *.

There are three sections, each arranged alphabetically:l

• Biblical Studies
• Theology
• Spirituality

---

BIBLICAL STUDIES

Bailey, Derrick S., Homosexuality and the Western Christian Tradition, (London: Longmans, Green, 1955;repr. Hamden, Ct.: Archon/Shoestring Press, 1975)
Absolutely standard work by Anglican priest. No bibliography but text gives best overview of Church and secular legislation, and cites in full the relevant scriptural, canonical and patristic texts. [Anglican]

Countryman, L. William, Dirt, Greed & Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and Their Implications for Today, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1988) [Anglican]

England, The Rev. Michael E., The Bible and Homosexuality, 4th ed, (Gaithersburg MD: Chi-Rho Press, 1994, 1st ed. 1979)
This is produced by the Metropolitan Community Church. England discusses how to approach the Bible as a source of faith and revelation. Although he addresses all the standard "proof texts", he refuses to be bound to these few verses. Rather, somewhat effectively, he sets them in the context of overall biblical interpretation, without resorting to special-pleading. Indeed he argues that wielders of proof-texts against gays have the real interpretative problem. [MCC]

Helminiak, Daniel, What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality, (San Francisco: Alamo Square Press, 1994)
Gay Roman Catholic priest and biblical scholar summarizes and presents in easily digestible form for the non-expert the findings of Boswell, Scroggs and Countryman. [all in this bibliography]. [RC]

Horner, Tom, Sex in the Bible, (Rutland VT: Charles E. Tuttle, 1974) [Anglican]

Scroggs, Robin, The New Testament and Homosexuality: Contextual Background for Contemporary Debate, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press: 1983) [Anglican]

Treese, Robert L., Homosexuality: a contemporary view of the Biblical perspective; prepared for the Consultation on Theology and the Homosexual ; sponsored by Glide Urban Center and the Council on Religion and.Homosexuality, (San Francisco, Calif. : Glide Urban Center, 1966?), repr. in Sally Gearhart and William R. Johnson, eds., Loving Women/Loving Men: Gay Liberation and the Church, (San Francisco: Glide Publications, 1974), 23-58
Very early study sponsored by the Clerical organization which was so important in early San Francisco gay activism.

THEOLOGY

Archdiocesan Gay/Lesbian Outreach (AGLO), Archdiocese of Baltimore, Homosexuality: A Positive Catholic Perspective, Questions and Answers in Lesbian/Gay Ministry, (Baltimore: AGLO, Archdiocese of Baltimore, 198?)
A 60 page booklet, the first ever released by an offical Roman Catholic diocesan ministry. Provides a positive context for gay and lesbian ministry in the Church. It gives information and refutes widespread myths, and argues for civil rights for lesbians and gays. Contains a list of recent Church statements and a bibliography. [RC]

*Archdiocese of San Francisco Commission on Social Justice, Homosexuality and Social Justice: Report of the Taskforce on Gay/Lesbian Issues, (San Francisco: Commission on Social Justice, 1982, revised 1986)
The fullest Catholic treatment, but not approved by the hierarchy. Addresses the spiritual life of gay people, anti-gay violence, Latino gays, the diabled, youth, the aged, and lesbians and gays in religious life and the priesthood. Reissued in an updated and expanded edition in 198?. [RC]

*Boswell, John, Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality, (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1980)
The single most important work in lesbian and gay Catholic history by a serious scholar. Proposes that homosexuals were accepted before the 13th century, and then intolerance set in. Criticised by gay radicals for letting the Church off the hook. Boswell rejects idea that homosexual subcultures are a recent development. Although is is a history book, Boswell directly tackles theological issues. [RC}

Caglieri, Kevin, "Dignity: A Basic Ecclesial Community", Creation, (Sept/Oct 1990), 18-24 [RC]

Cahill, Lisa Sowle, Between the Sexes: Foundations for a Christian Ethics of Sexuality, (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985)[RC]

Clark, J. Michael, Gay being, divine presence : essays in gay spirituality : the Ganymede papers, (Garland, Tex. : Tangelwuld Press, 1987) [Various]

Clark, J. Michael, , A Place To Start : Toward An Unapologetic Gay Liberation Theology, (Dallas : Monument Press, 1989)

Clark, J. Michael, A Lavender Cosmic Pilgrim: Further Ruminations on Gay Spirituality, Theology, & Sexuality, (Garland, TX : Tangelwuld Press, 1990)

Clark, J. Michael, "Patriarchy, dualism, and homophobia: marginalization as spiritual challenge", in Homophobia and the Judaeo-Christian tradition; ed by M Stemmeler, 1990, 51-66

Clark, J. Michael, "Prophecy, subjectivity, and theodicy in gay theology: developing a constructive methodology", in Constructing gay theology; ed by M Stemmeler and J Clark, 1990, 27-44

*Clark, J. Michael . Beyond Our Ghettos : Gay Theology in Ecological Perspective, (Cleveland, Ohio : Pilgrim Press, 1993)

*Cleaver, Richard, Know My Name: A Gay Liberation Theology, (Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox, 1995)
An effort to apply the insights of liberation theology to gay male Christians. [RC}

Comstock, Gary David, "Theological and ethical implications of homophobic violence", in Homophobia and the Judaeo-Christian tradition; ed by M Stemmeler 1990 p95-114 [United Church of Christ]

Comstock, Gary David, ed. Religion, homosexuality, and literature, (Las Colinas, Tex. : Monument Press, 1992) [United Church of Christ]

*Comstock, Gay David, Gay Theology Without Apology, (Cleveland, OH: The Prilgrim Press: 1993)
Comstock is a UCC minister and chaplain at Weslyan University. These essays are thoroughly pro-gay and he is willing to attack Biblical homophobia. Inter alia, there are interesting discussions of Biblical bias, Leviticus as a harsh book, Jonathan and David, and so on. [United Church of Christ]

Conner, Randy P., Blossom of Bone: Reclaiming the Connection Between Homoereoticism and the Sacred, (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1993)
A cross-cultural melange on gender and same-sex desire. Immensely popular among readers. [non-Christian]

Cromey, Robert Warren., In God's image : Christian Witness to the Need for Gay/Lesbian Equality in the Eyes of the Church,(San Francisco : Alamo Square Press, 1991) [Anglican]

*Curran, Charles, "Homosexuality and Moral Theology: Methodological and Substantive Considerations", The Thomist 35:3 (July 1971), 447-81 [RC]

Curran, Charles E., "Moral Theology: Psychiatry and Homosexuality", in Transition and Tradition in Moral Theology, (Notre Dame, IN : University of Notre Dame Press, 1979) [RC]

Curran, Charles E., "Moral Theology and Homosexuality" in Jeaninne Grammick, ed., Homosexuality and the Catholic Church,(Mt. Ranier, MD: New Ways Ministry, 1983) [RC]

Davidson, David, "Dignity, Inc.: an alternative experience of Church", New Blackriars (1987) [No?], 192-201 [RC]

Edwards, George R, Gay/Lesbian Liberation: A Biblical Perspective, (New York: The Pilgrim Press, 1984) Attempts to apply a Liberation Theology perspective to the issue. [?]

Genovesi, Vincent, In Pursuit of Love: Catholic Morality and Human Sexuality, (Wilmington DE: Michael Glazier, 1987) [RC]

Ginder, Richard, Binding with Briars: Sex and Sin in the Catholic Church, (Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall, 1975) [RC]
Radical critique by a well-known Catholic writer. Approves of masturbation and homosexuality. [RC]

*Goss, Robert, Jesus Acted Up: A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto, (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1993)
Radical gay theology, wanting to look to Christ the Liberator. [Was RC, now MCC]

*Grammick, Jeaninne, Homosexuality and the Catholic Church,(Mt. Ranier, MD: New Ways Ministry, 1983)
A collection of essays by both gay and straight theologians, some addressing traditional moral theology, others addressing liberation and feminist theology. The article writers are both religious, and gay theologians (Gramick is a S.S.N.D., sociologist - lesbian specialization) [RC]

Grammick, Jeaninne and Pat Furey, eds., The Vatican and Homosexuality: reflections to the "Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral care of Homosexual Persons", (New York: Crossroad, 1988)
Text of the 1986 letter plus extensive commentary and discussion by a number of lesbian. gay and straight writers. [RC]

Grammick, Jeaninne and Robert Nugent, Voices of Hope: A collection of Positive Catholic Writings on Gay and Lesbian Issues,(Mt. Ranier, MD: New Ways Ministry, 1995)
From Blurb: This collection of documents, which represents the best of the Catholic intellectual and moral tradtions, is evidence of pastoral sensitivity, am openness to new data from the sciences, a respect for the experiences of people, and a willingness to employ methologies which could lead to a development of magisterial teaching. [RC]

Johnston, Maury, Gays Under Grace : A Gay Christian's Response To The Moral Majority, (Nashville, Tenn. : Winston-Derek, c1983) [?]

Heyward, Carter, Our Passion for Justice: Images of Power, Sexuality and Liberation, (New York: The Pilgrim Press, 1984) [Anglican]

*Heyward, Carter, The Redemption of God: A Theology of Mutual Relation, (Washington, DC: University Press of America, 1984) [Anglican]

Heyward, I. Carter, "Heterosexism: enforcing male supremacy", The Witness 69 No 4 p18-20 April 1986 [Anglican]

Heyward, Carter, "Heterosexist theology: being above it all", Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 3 p29-38 Spring 1987 [Anglican]

Heyward, Carter, Touching Our Strength: The Erotic as Power and the Love of God, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1989) [Anglican]

Heyward, Carter and Ellen C. Davis, eds., Speaking of Christ : A Lesbian Feminist Voice, (Pilgrim Press, 1989) [Anglican]

Heyward, Carter, and Mollenkott, Virginia Ramey, "Church needs new sexual ethic", The Witness 74 (1991): 20-23 [Anglican]

Kaufman, Philip S., Why You Can Disagree and Remain A Faithful Catholic, (1995) [RC]

*Kosnik, Anthony, et al, Human Sexuality: New Directions in American Catholic Thought: A Study Commissioned by the Catholic Theological Society of America, (New York: Paulist Press, 1977)
Important overview by professional Catholic thrologians in the US. Does not see homosexuality as perfect. Sees Sodom story as nothing to do with homosexuality, but historically much more important than either Leviticus 18 or Romans 1 in influenciing the tradition. In "Pastoral Guidlines" looks at some forms of acceptance. [RC]

Kuhn, Donald. The Church and the Homosexual: A Report on a Consultation, (San Francisco: Glide Urban Center, 1965)

Early positive statement from the early clerical support days of the gay movement in San Francisco. [?}

Leopold, Kathleen and Thomas Orians, eds., Theological Pastoral Resources: A Collection of Articles on Homosexuality from a Pastoral Perspective, 6th ed., (Washington DC : Dignity. 1981, repr. 1985)[RC]
Collection of articles collected and published by Dignity.

*McCourt, Malcom, ed., Towards a Theology of Gay Liberation, (London: SCM Press, 1977)
A series of articles, with some very angry arguments between contributors, on gay theology.
Contents: Recent Christian perspectives on homosexuality - the context for the debate, David Blamires. Towards a theology of gay liberation - the framework for the debate, by Malcolm Macourt. Biblical roots of homophobia, Rictor Norton. Old Testament scholar replies, James Martin. The gay challenge to traditional notions of human sexuality, Jim Cotter. What it means to be human, by Norman Pittenger. Gay liberation in relation to Christian liberation, Giles Hibbert. A Christian basis for gay relationships, Michael Keeling. [Various]

McNeill, John, "The Christian Male Homosexual", Homiletic and Pastorial Review 70 (1970), 667-77, 747-58, 828-36 [RC]

*McNeill, John, The Church and the Homosexual 4th ed., (Boston: Beacon, 1993, first ed. 1976)
Classic work by a former Jesuit priest, and a former frequent celebrant with Dignity/NY. Looks at scripture, moral theology, and pastoral ministry to lesbian and gay people. The fourth edition (1993), and the revised introduction include an analysis of the 1992 Republican Party Convention, along with analyses of recent documentation from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF - Vatican). [RC]

McNeill, John, "Homosexuality, lesbianism, and the future: the creative role of the gay community in building a more humane society" in A challenge to love; ed by R Nugent 1983 p52-64 [RC]

McNeill, John J, "Homosexuality: Challenging the Church to Grow Illustration", Christian Century (Mar 11, 1987), 104:8, 242-246, repr. in Jeffrey S. Siker, ed., Homosexuality in the Church: Both Sides of the Debate, (Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994), 49-60
[Abstract from electronic database]:The role of the church and clergy in ministering to homosexuals is discussed. Information is given that should give every Christian community serious reasons to reconsider its understanding of homosexuality. [RC]

McNeill, John, Taking a Chance on God: Liberating Theology for Gays, Lesbians and Their Lovers, Families and Friend, (Boston: Beacon, 1988) [RC]
Dignity/New York members recognised much in this book from Fr. McNeill's poweful sermons their over the years. Argues that both tradition and Scripture support same-sex love and a positive gay identity is compatible with Christian faith. Includes an interesting chapter on the relationship between Mary and the gay community.

McNeill, John, Freedom, Glorious Freedom, (1994) [RC]

*Ménard, Guy, De Sodome a la Exode. Jalons pour une theologie de la liberation gaie, (Montreal: 1'Aurore, 1980) [RC]

Ménard, Guy, "Gay Theology, Which Gay Theology?", in Denis Altman, at al, Homosexuality, Which homosexuality? International Conference on Gay and Lesbian Studies, (Amsterdam: Uitgeverij An Dekker.Schorer; London: GMP, 1989), 127-138
Overview of gay liberation theology and more. Very interesting, but somewhat dense. [RC]

Moore, Gareth, O.P., "Are Homosexuals Sick?", New Blackfriars 69:15-19 (January 1989), and Moore, Gareth, O.P. "Are Homosexuals Sick; reply by B. Williams and rejoinder", New Blackfriars 70:249 (May 1989) [RC]

*Moore, Gareth, The Body in Context : Sex and Catholicism, (London: SCM, 1992)
The author is a Dominican priest at Oxford. The review in New Blackfriars says that, while he is careful not to reject the Church's teaching itself on these matters, he does reject most of the arguments used to justify it (e.g. the "objective disorder" stuff). Moore's general approach is to come to the most radical conclusions by taking the radical nature of tradition most seriously rather than as a support for current prejudice. [RC]

*Nelson, James B., Embodiment: An Approach to Sexuality and Christianity, (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1978) [RC]

Nelson, James B., "Questions surrounding gay-lesbian spirituality and life-style", in Being single; B O'Donnell; J Nelson; G Regiger, et al 1986 p34-37 [RC]

Nelson, James B., The Intimate Connection: Male Sexuality, Masculine Spirituality, (Louisville KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1988) [RC]

Nelson, James B., and Sandra P. Longfellow, Sexuality and the Sacred: Sources for Theological Reflection, (Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 199?) [RC]

Nugent, Robert, Jeannine Grammick and Thomas Oddo, Homosexual Catholics: New Primer for Discussion, (Washington DC: Dignity, , 1980)
On Church teaching, scripture, civil rights and ministry. [RC]

Nugent, Robert, ed., A Challenge to Love: Gay and Lesbian Catholics in the Church, (New York: Crossroad, 1987)
Important and in depth essays on social, theological and pastoral perspectives on homosexuality. Articles by Gregory Baum, Margaret farely, Matthew Faix, John McNeill, Daniel Maguire, Gabriel Moran, Evelyn and james Whitehead, Mary Hunt and Basil Pennington. [RC]

Oraison, Marc, La question homosexuelle, (Paris: Seuil, 1975), trans as The Homosexual Question, (New York: Harper and Row, 1977)
By a French Catholic priest. Influenced by Overing at al. Progressive. [RC]

*Overing, A. et al, Homoseksualiteit,. (Hilversum and Antwerp: Paul Brand, 1961; French translation, Homosexualite, Paris Mame, 1967)
Had the same sort of impact in the Netherlands and France as Canon Bailey's work did in Britain and America. [RC]

Pattison, Fred L., Handbook for gay Christians, (Phoenix, Ariz. : Agape Pub., 1960-1975) [?]

Pennington, Sylvia, But Lord, they're Gay : a Christian Pilgrimage, (Hawthorne, CA : Lambda Christian Fellowship, 198?) [MCC]

Pilant, Craig Wesley, "The evolution of pastoral thought concerning homosexuality in selected Vatican and American documents from 1975-1986", in Homophobia and the Judaeo-Christian tradition; ed by M Stemmeler 1990 p117-145 [RC at time of writing]

*Pittenger, Norman, Time for Consent: A Christian's Approach to Homosexuality, 3rd ed., (London: SCM Press, 1976)
First major book by an academic theologian arguing for Christian acceptance of gay people. Adopts a "process theology" approach. [Anglican]

Pittenger, Norman, "A Theological Approach to Understanding Homosexuality", Religion in Life 43:4 (Winter 1974), repr. in Ruth Tiffany Barnhouse and Urabn T. Holmes, eds., Male and Female: Christian Approaches to Sexuality, (New York: Seabury, 1976), also repr. in Kathleen Leopold and Thomas Orians, eds., Theological Pastoral Resources: A Collection of Articles on Homosexuality from a Pastoral Perspective, 6th ed., (Washington DC : Dignity. 1981, repr. 1985), 11-15 [Anglican]

Pittenger, W. Norman , Gay Lifestyles : A Christian Interpretation of Homosexuality and the Homosexual, (Los Angeles, Calif.: Universal Fellowship Press, 1977) [Anglican]

*Pronk, Pim, Against nature? : types of moral argumentation regarding homosexuality, trans. John Vriend, (Grand Rapids, Mich. : W.B. Eerdmans, 1993), original Dutch entitled Tegennatuurlijk?
This book by a gay Christian argues that gay Christians should accept that "homosexuality" is not "natural", but argues instead that "naturalness" has nothing to do with goodness before God. This is an argument which might make more sense in a Protestant rather than Catholic tradition of ethical thinking. [RC]

Scanzoni, Letha, and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Another Christian View, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978) [Protestant]

*Scanzoni, Letha, and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? A Positive Christian Response, revised and updated, (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1994)
Updated, and retitled, version of classic 1978 book. [Protestant]

Spong, John S. Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality, (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1990) [Anglican]

Stemmeler, Michael L. & J. Michael Clark, eds. Homophobia and the Judaeo-Christian tradition, (Dallas : Monument Press : Distributed by Publishers Associates, 1990)
Contents: Stemmeler. Leviticus 18:22 and the prohibition of homosexual acts, T Thurston. Early Jewish and Christian attitudes toward male homosexuality as expressed in the Testament of Naphtali, L Eron. Patriarchy, dualism and homophobia: marginalization as spiritual challenge, J Clark. Gays - a threat to society? social policy in Nazi Germany and the aftermath, M Stemmeler. Theological and ethical implications of homophobic violence, G Comstock. The evolution of pastoral thought concerning homosexuality in selected Vatican and American documents from 1975-1986, C Pilant. The AIDS crisis: legitimation of homophobia or catalyst for change?, M Kowalewski. Fear and passion: a psychological reflection on the construction of homophobia in the context of AIDS, B Mills. "Coming out": discovering empowerment, balance, and wholeness, J Clark. [various]

Stemmeler, Michael L., & J. Michael Clark, Constructing gay theology : proceedings of the Gay Men's Issues in Religion Consultation of the American Academy of Religion, Fall 1989, (Las Colinas, Tex. : Monument Press, 1991, 1990)
Contents: Introduction: a call for constructivity, M Stemmeler. Gay theology of liberation and the hermeneutic circle, T Thurston. Prophecy, subjectivity, and theodicy in gay theology: developing a constructive methodology, J Clark. A special window an anthropological perspective on spirituality in contemporary US gay male culture, E Gorman. [various]

Sullivan, Andrew, "The Catholic Church and the Homosexual: Alone Again, Naturally", The New Republic, 11/28/94
Sullivan is the gay British Catholic editor The New Republic. This article is both a personal history and a major critique of Catholic teaching. [RC]

Sweetin, Ellen M., Called out of our closets :a lesbian/gay biblical ethic of liberation, Thesis 1986. GTU -Berkeley [?]

*Towards a Quaker View of Sex: An Essay By a Group of Friends, rev. edition, (London: Friends Home Service Committee, 1964)
An important early re-assessment of homosexuality bu a Christian group. [Quaker]

Webster, Alison, Just Love: A Resource Book for Exploring the Theology of Sexuality, (London: SCM: 1989) [?]

SPIRITUALITY

Bouldrey, Brian, ed., Wrestling with the Angel: Faith and Religionin the Lives of Gay Men, ( New York: Riverhead, 1995)
Contains Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Mormon, as well as Christian accounts. [Various]

Glaser, Chris., Come Home! : Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians, (San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1990) [Presbyterian]

Glaser, Chris., Coming Out to God: Prayers for Lesbians and Gay Menm Their Families and Frined, (Louisvill KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 199?) [Presbyterian]

Glaser, Chris, The Word is Out - The Bible Reclaimed for Lesbians and Gay Men, (1994)
A year-lomg book of biblical meditations. [Presbyterian]

Glaser, Chris, Uncommon Calling: A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church, extended edition. (Louisville KY: Westminister John Knox Press, 1996) [Presbyterian]

Holtz, Raymond C., Listen to the stories : gay and lesbian Catholics talk about their lives and the church, . (New York : Garland, 1991) [RC]

McNaught, Brian., A Disturbed Peace : Selected Writings of an Irish Catholic Homosexual, Washington, DC : Dignity, c1981. [RC]

McNaught, Brian., On being gay, (New York : St. Martin's Press, 1988) [RC]

Piazza, Michael, Holy Homosexuals, (Dallas: 1994) [MCC]

Stuart. Elizabeth, "Coming out of the Tomb", Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, Roman Catholic Caucus Newsletter, (1990) [RC]

Stuart. Elizabeth, Daring to Speak Love's Name: A Gay and Lesbian Prayer Book, (London: Hamish Hamilton, 1992) [RC]

Thompson, Mark, ed. Gay Spririt: Myth and Meaning, (New York: St Martins Press, 1987)
Takes the view that gay people's spirit has always worked in culture, generating creative and soulful energy. An anthology from many points of view. [Various]

Woods, Richard, Another Kind of Love: Homosexuality and Spirituality, 4th ed., (Ft. Wayne IN: Knoll, 1988, first ed. 1977) [RC]

Wood, Robert, Christ and the Homosexual, (New York: Vantage Press, 1960) [RC]

---

Lesbian Personals,free lesbian personals ads for lesbian singles. Click Here