The question of Christians affirming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people continues to be challenging for some in the churches - while onlookers are baffled and angry at what seems to be the persistence of religious prejudice and bigotry. In this book, Savi Hensman, who has long wrestled with these questions practically and theologically, seeks to demonstrate that the central resources of the Christian tradition make change possible, desirable and indeed necessary. Sexuality, Struggle and Saintliness examines the major shift in thinking  on sexuality among Christians that has taken place over the past hundred years. It explores the groundbreaking work of theologians, church historians and other writers. Delving beneath the service of recent ecclesiastical conflicts, the book looks at how churches can, and do live with disagreement. It provides a positive way forward in handling divisions over sexuality.

Rachel Mann, priest and poet, writes in her foreword:

"Reconciliation and remembrance are at the heart of Savitri Hensman’s new book. Sexuality, Struggle and Saintliness gathers together wisdom on matters of sexuality and church polity collected over an extensive career. At a time when debate over the Christian faith’s position on LGBT people and our relationships has profound charge and is extraordinarily divisive, Hensman’s approach is welcome."

The former Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu notes: 

"God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realise that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. In God’s family, there are no outsiders, no enemies. Black and white, rich and poor, gay and straight – all belong." 

Savitri Hensman, the book's author' comments:

“Many Christian thinkers have been reflecting seriously about sexualethics. Moving beyond the use of depersonalising language and mere assertions which fail to convince, while remaining true to what is richest in the Christian heritage, is a challenging task for the churches as a whole.”

'Sexuality, Struggle and Saintliness: Same Sex Love and the Church' can be ordered from the following online publishers: The Book Depository,  AbeBooks,   and Waterstones Price £12.99.

Ebooks are available Price £3.99 via the Paypal button below.

We are currently developing a word version for those with visual impairments.

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