Tenderness: A Gay Christian's Guide to Unlearning Rejection and Experiencing God's Extravagant Love

Winner of a second-place award in the category gender issues, inclusion in the Church from the Catholic Media Association.

What would happen if gay Christians began to believe the truth about God--that he loves all people unconditionally?

In Tenderness, Catholic writer and speaker Eve Tushnet says trusting God's love would be the beginning of a transformation, not only in the lives of gay Christians but also in the Body of Christ itself. She offers hope and companionship to those who have been deeply hurt by their parishes, a wound that also damaged their relationship with God. Tushnet also offers practical guidance from her own journey as a celibate lesbian.

Tenderness explores scripture and history to find role models for gay Christians--including Jesus, King David, Ruth, St. John, Mary, poets, mystics, penitents, leaders, and ordinary gay people who have found unexpected paths of love. The book also offers guidance on living through or recovering from the painful experiences that are all too common in gay Christian life--from familial rejection and weaponized Christianity to ambivalence and doubt. Weaving her own story with resources, prayers, and practical actions that can help gay people trust that God loves them, Tushnet renews our understandings of kinship, friendship, celibacy and unmarried life, ordered love, personal integrity, solidarity with the marginalized, obedience, surrender, sanctification, and hope.

This book is primarily for gay Christians, but it also offers a window into their experiences and needs that will make it useful for anyone in pastoral care or who wants to be a better friend to the gay people they know.