Books and Media

And God Loves Each One: A Resource For Dialogue About Sexual Orientation Author: Ann Thompson Cook | ISBN: 0-9760281-1-5 A simple and easy to read book that introduces sexual orientation for discussion or education. Clear information is accompanied by stories to focus upon people rather than issues, and solid theology grounds the discussion in the assurance that God’s love makes no exceptions.

Made in God’s Image: A Resource For Dialogue About The Church and Gender Differences Author: Ann Thompson Cook This book includes valuable information, and stories which will be helpful for any congregation, family or individual who are beginning to learn gender identity.

Dios Nos Ama Por Igual: Una invitacion al dialogo sobre la orientacion sexual Author: Ann Thompson Cook | ISBN: 0-9760281-3-1A warm and gracious Spanish-language publication breaks the silence about sexual orientation. For families, churches, schools, health care providers, and more, Dios nos ama por igual removes barriers and invites loving dialogue.

All God’s Children: A Resource for Teaching Children About Sexual Orientation and Gender IdentityAuthor: Melany Burrill All God’s Children is an essential guide to open and caring conversations with young children about gender and sexual orientation. This small, user-friendly book addresses concerns, questions, and the search for just the right words as well as suggesting ideas for sermons and classroom activities.

People of a Compassionate God: Creating Welcoming CongregationsEditor: Janet F. FishburnA comprehensive introduction to ways for congregations to move towards the end of discrimination of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. These six case studies examine several the ways communities approach making a Reconciling declaration and working towards full inclusion.

Voices from the Kingdom: All God’s Children Have KeysAuthor: Beverly ColeBeverly Cole interviewed dozens of United Methodists – gay, lesbian, families and allies – to give voice to the heart-rending reality of those who have been excluded from participation in the church. This book poignantly speaks for those who struggle for full inclusion in the Body of Christ.

Open the Doors!Author: Reginald and Barbara OlsonThis account shares one family’s struggle with homophobia and their journey out of the supposed conflict between religion and homosexuality. Powerfully written stories move us to consider how we too have been changed by the great abundance of God’s love.

Homosexuality and the BibleAuthor: Walter Wink This short book, written by an Old Testament professor, looks honestly at the passages traditionally used to condemn homosexuality and discusses their context, both culturally and within the Biblical text. These powerful, thoughtful words challenge each reader to reconsider assumptions about the text and hear God’s voice for today.

The Loyal Opposition: Struggling With the Church on Homosexuality Editors: Tex Sample and Amy DeLongArticles by United Methodist academics, pastors and lay persons discuss the powerful ways God has worked within the movement for full inclusion of all persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This book calls the Church towards a new response to the official condemnation of homosexual practice, with serious commitment to reconciliation and forgiveness.