Key Takeaways
1. Respect: Acknowledging and valuing the LGBT community's existence
Recognizing that LGBT Catholics exist has important pastoral implications.
Pastoral outreach. The church must actively engage with LGBT Catholics through ministries, Masses, and outreach programs. This recognition goes beyond mere acknowledgment to creating spaces where LGBT individuals feel welcomed and valued within the church community.
Naming with dignity. Using respectful language and terminology preferred by the LGBT community is crucial. The church should move away from clinical or stigmatizing terms and adopt language that affirms the dignity of LGBT individuals.
Recognizing gifts. LGBT Catholics bring unique talents and perspectives that enrich the church. Their experiences of marginalization often foster compassion, perseverance, and forgiveness – qualities that build up the entire faith community.
2. Compassion: Walking alongside and understanding LGBT experiences
Compassion means "to experience with, to suffer with."
Active listening. Church leaders and members must create opportunities to hear the stories, struggles, and joys of LGBT Catholics. This involves asking thoughtful questions about their experiences growing up, their spiritual journeys, and their hopes for the future.
Standing with the persecuted. The church has a moral duty to speak out against discrimination, violence, and unjust laws targeting LGBT individuals, especially in countries where their lives are at risk.
Celebrating joys. Compassion also means rejoicing in the gifts, talents, and enthusiasm that LGBT Catholics bring to the church, particularly among younger generations who may feel more comfortable with their identities.
3. Sensitivity: Developing awareness of LGBT feelings and concerns
Sensitivity is "an awareness or understanding of the feelings of other people."
Personal encounters. Many church leaders lack firsthand relationships with openly LGBT individuals, hindering true understanding. Developing friendships and engaging in dialogue is essential for cultivating sensitivity.
Reconsidering language. The church should evaluate potentially harmful language, such as describing homosexual inclination as "objectively disordered." While doctrinal discussions are complex, pastoral sensitivity requires finding ways to communicate without unnecessarily wounding.
Cultural awareness. Church statements on LGBT issues must consider global implications. What seems mild in one cultural context may be revolutionary or dangerous in another. Sensitivity requires a nuanced approach that respects diverse realities while upholding human dignity.
4. Reciprocal respect: LGBT community's approach to the institutional church
Catholics believe that bishops, priests, and deacons receive at their ordinations the grace for a special ministry of leadership in the church.
Recognizing authority. While disagreements may exist, LGBT Catholics are called to respect the teaching authority of the church hierarchy. This involves prayerfully considering official teachings, even when challenging.
Human dignity. Avoid mocking or disrespectful language towards church leaders. Criticisms should be expressed constructively, focusing on ideas rather than personal attacks.
Dialogue over confrontation. While there is a place for prophetic witness, respectful dialogue often proves more effective in changing hearts and minds within the church. Building relationships and trust with church leaders can open doors for deeper understanding.
5. Biblical foundations: Scriptures supporting LGBT inclusion and dignity
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Divine creation. Psalm 139 affirms that each person is intentionally and beautifully crafted by God. This foundational truth applies to LGBT individuals, affirming their inherent worth and dignity.
Jesus' radical inclusion. The Gospels show Jesus consistently welcoming those marginalized by society, such as the Roman centurion and Zacchaeus. These stories model Christ's expansive love that transcends social boundaries.
Gifts for the body. St. Paul's image of the church as a body with diverse, equally valuable parts (1 Corinthians 12) supports valuing the unique contributions of LGBT members to the faith community.
6. Bridging divides: Building understanding between LGBT Catholics and the church
For with Jesus, there is no us and them. There is only us.
Overcoming "us vs. them" mentality. Both the institutional church and LGBT Catholics must work to see each other as part of one faith community, not opposing factions.
Patience and time. Building bridges requires giving space for relationships to develop and understanding to grow. The relatively recent emergence of open LGBT identities means the church is still in a process of encounter and learning.
Two-way street. While the onus is primarily on the institutional church to reach out, LGBT Catholics are also called to approach church leaders with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
7. God's unconditional love: Embracing LGBT individuals as beloved children of God
The Holy Spirit, which is supporting the church, is supporting you, for you are beloved children of God who, by virtue of your baptism, have as much right to be in the church as the pope, your local bishop, and me.
Foundational belonging. Through baptism, all Catholics – including LGBT individuals – are fully incorporated into the Body of Christ. This sacramental reality supersedes any perceived divisions.
Divine affirmation. LGBT Catholics are called to recognize their inherent worth as God's beloved creation, even in the face of societal or religious rejection.
Hope in difficult times. When faced with opposition or discouragement, LGBT Catholics can find strength in knowing that the Holy Spirit supports and guides them as integral members of the church.
Last updated:
FAQ
What's "Building a Bridge" about?
- Author's Intent: "Building a Bridge" by James Martin explores how the Catholic Church and the LGBT community can foster a relationship based on respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
- Context of Writing: The book was inspired by the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting and the subsequent lack of explicit support from many Catholic leaders for the LGBT community.
- Core Message: Martin emphasizes the need for dialogue and understanding between the institutional church and LGBT Catholics, advocating for mutual respect and compassion.
- Structure: The book is structured around a talk Martin gave, expanded into an essay, and includes biblical passages for reflection.
Why should I read "Building a Bridge"?
- Understanding and Dialogue: It offers insights into bridging the gap between the Catholic Church and the LGBT community, promoting dialogue and understanding.
- Practical Guidance: The book provides practical advice for both church leaders and LGBT Catholics on how to engage with each other respectfully.
- Spiritual Reflection: It includes biblical passages and reflections that can aid in personal and communal spiritual growth.
- Timely and Relevant: Given the ongoing discussions about LGBT rights and religious institutions, the book is a timely contribution to the conversation.
What are the key takeaways of "Building a Bridge"?
- Mutual Respect: Both the church and the LGBT community are encouraged to treat each other with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
- Role of the Church: The institutional church is urged to take the first steps in reconciliation, acknowledging past hurts and working towards inclusion.
- LGBT Contributions: LGBT Catholics are recognized for their unique gifts and contributions to the church, which should be honored and celebrated.
- Biblical Support: The book uses biblical passages to support its call for a more inclusive and compassionate church.
How does James Martin propose building a bridge between the Catholic Church and the LGBT community?
- Two-Way Bridge Concept: Martin suggests a "two-way bridge" where both the church and the LGBT community move towards each other with understanding.
- Respect, Compassion, Sensitivity: These are the three pillars Martin identifies as essential for building this bridge, drawn from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Listening and Dialogue: He emphasizes the importance of listening to each other's experiences and engaging in open dialogue.
- Practical Steps: The book outlines practical steps for church leaders to reach out to LGBT Catholics and for LGBT Catholics to engage with the church.
What are the best quotes from "Building a Bridge" and what do they mean?
- "Respect, compassion, and sensitivity": This phrase from the Catechism is central to Martin's argument, highlighting the virtues needed for reconciliation.
- "The work of the Gospel cannot be accomplished if one part of the church is essentially separated from any other part": This underscores the need for unity within the church.
- "You are wonderfully made": A reference to Psalm 139, reminding readers of their inherent dignity and worth as creations of God.
- "For with Jesus, there is no us and them. There is only us": This quote emphasizes inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers within the church.
How does "Building a Bridge" address the challenges faced by LGBT Catholics?
- Acknowledgment of Pain: Martin acknowledges the hurt and exclusion many LGBT Catholics have experienced within the church.
- Call for Reconciliation: He calls on the church to actively work towards healing these wounds through genuine outreach and dialogue.
- Empowerment: The book encourages LGBT Catholics to recognize their place in the church and to engage with it constructively.
- Supportive Community: Martin highlights the importance of finding supportive communities within the church that affirm LGBT identities.
What biblical passages does James Martin use in "Building a Bridge" and why?
- Psalm 139: Used to affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person, emphasizing that all are "wonderfully made."
- The Good Samaritan: Illustrates the call to care for those who are marginalized and persecuted, relevant to the LGBT experience.
- Jesus and Zacchaeus: Demonstrates Jesus's approach of community first, conversion second, advocating for inclusion and welcome.
- The Road to Emmaus: Highlights the importance of recognizing God's presence in difficult times and the power of community.
What is the significance of the "two-way bridge" concept in "Building a Bridge"?
- Mutual Movement: The concept emphasizes that both the church and the LGBT community need to move towards each other.
- Shared Responsibility: It highlights that reconciliation requires effort and openness from both sides.
- Building Trust: The bridge is a metaphor for building trust and understanding, essential for healing past wounds.
- Dynamic Relationship: It suggests that the relationship between the church and the LGBT community is dynamic and requires ongoing effort.
How does James Martin address the role of church leaders in "Building a Bridge"?
- First Steps: Martin argues that the onus is on church leaders to take the first steps towards reconciliation with the LGBT community.
- Pastoral Outreach: He encourages church leaders to engage in genuine pastoral outreach, acknowledging and addressing past hurts.
- Language and Naming: Martin stresses the importance of using respectful language and recognizing the preferred names and identities of LGBT individuals.
- Modeling Jesus: Church leaders are called to model Jesus's approach of inclusion and welcome, meeting people where they are.
How does "Building a Bridge" suggest LGBT Catholics engage with the church?
- Respect and Dialogue: LGBT Catholics are encouraged to engage with the church respectfully, even when challenging its teachings.
- Understanding Authority: Martin advises understanding the different levels of authority within the church and engaging with them thoughtfully.
- Patience and Prayer: He suggests giving the church time to understand and accept the LGBT community, while also praying for its leaders.
- Active Participation: LGBT Catholics are encouraged to actively participate in church life, bringing their unique gifts and perspectives.
What role do biblical reflections play in "Building a Bridge"?
- Spiritual Support: The reflections provide spiritual support and guidance for both LGBT Catholics and their allies.
- Encouragement: They encourage readers to see themselves as part of God's creation, loved and valued.
- Community Building: The reflections are designed to foster a sense of community and shared faith among readers.
- Personal Growth: They offer opportunities for personal growth and deeper understanding of one's relationship with God.
What impact does James Martin hope "Building a Bridge" will have?
- Fostering Dialogue: Martin hopes the book will foster dialogue and understanding between the Catholic Church and the LGBT community.
- Promoting Inclusion: He aims to promote a more inclusive and welcoming church that recognizes the dignity of all its members.
- Encouraging Reflection: The book encourages readers to reflect on their own attitudes and actions towards the LGBT community.
- Inspiring Change: Ultimately, Martin hopes to inspire change within the church, leading to greater unity and reconciliation.
Review Summary
Building a Bridge receives mixed reviews. Many praise Fr. Martin's call for respect and compassion towards LGBTQ+ Catholics, seeing it as a necessary step towards inclusivity. However, some critics find the book too cautious, avoiding controversial topics and failing to address core doctrinal issues. Others appreciate Martin's balanced approach, urging both the Church and LGBTQ+ community to show mutual understanding. The book's biblical reflections and prayers are generally well-received, though some feel the overall message lacks depth or concrete solutions.
Similar Books
About the Author
Other books by James Martin
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.