Our Strangely Warmed Hearts

As John Wesley discovered his true spiritual identity, he experienced astrangely warmed heart. Through poignant stories and well-reasonedprinciples, Karen Oliveto discloses why and how spiritual renewal and apersonal call to ministry emerge in the strangely warmed hearts oflesbian and gay Christians.In The United Methodist Church (andother Christian denominations), it is difficult or impossible forlesbian, gay, transsexual, and bisexual clergy or laity to become avisible and outward channel for God's saving grace. This book traces thehistory of the church's struggle with homosexuality, highlightingcritical incidents in the culture and church polity which shape thechurch's response. The issues are deeply rooted in the way God's people understandscriptures, which are interpreted as a means of grace for some and as arule-book for others. This book includes first-personnarratives of LGBTQ persons faithfully serving in a denomination thatdenies their calls andin some casestheir presence. These stories willshow how the coming out process is deeply spiritual as one grows into anauthentic, God-created and graced self.';You are the one who created my innermost parts;you knit me together while I was still in my mother's womb.I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart.Your works are wonderfulI know that very well.'Psalm 139:13-14 (CEB)';Our Strangely Warmed Heartsis a breath of fresh air in the study of the United Methodist struggleand intense debate regarding human sexuality. Karen Oliveto lives infaithful witness and serves people with the heart of Christianleadership.'Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Wisconsin Conference of the UnitedMethodist Church.';Karen Oliveto offers a compelling window intothe steadfast faith and the resilience of the LGBTQ Christian movementin the United States. After offering an extraordinary history of theLGBTQ equality movement in our society and in The United MethodistChurch, she rightly asks, 'Is there any other group that we wouldmarginalize in this way?' I wholeheartedly recommend Karen Oliveto'snew book to everyone who is affected by the debate over the sacred worthand place of LGBTQ people in our lives and churches. This book inspireshope.' Michael J. Adee, Ph.D., Director, Global Faith and JusticeProject, San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, CA';BishopOliveto's story mirrors the experience of many LGBTQ ministers who areserving the Body of Christ openly, and not in the shadows. Theintegrity, courage, and deep faith of God's LGBTQ people who are calledinto ministry have enriched the church and encouraged the outsiders whowere always welcome at Jesus' table.'Andy Lang, Executive Director,Open and Affirming Coalition, United Church of Christ';I lovedit! It drew me in immediately and kept me strapped in on what I knewwould be a roller coaster of painful history, sprinkled triumphs, andthen stories that broke my heart, gave me cheer, and brought tears to myeyes. Bishop Oliveto takes readers on a fascinating trip through LGBTQhistory, and into the often contentious collision with mainstreamreligionand then brings it all together through the personal storiesthat make our past and present come alive! I applaud Bishop Oliveto'sbook and will highly recommend it to the faithful and faith curious ofall religions.'The Reverend Marian Edmonds-Allen, Executive Director,Parity'[Bishop Karen Oliveto] is sharing the love of Jesus, andmeeting people where they are, no matter who they are, and no matterwhat they think about her. She loves them.' Kent Ingram, senior pastorof First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.