Since 1640, the Pilgrim Press has published cutting-edge books that challenged convention and angered church and crown. That edgy tradition continues as Pilgrim Press announces the release of Queer Clergy: A History of Gay and Lesbian Ministry in American Protestantism by Minnesota author, RW Holmen.
The book chronicles the journey of gay and lesbian Christians to be fully accepted and fully included in the congregations of mainline Christianity. Tracing the twisting pathway, the book encounters the gay and lesbian pilgrims and prophets who led the way and recounts their stories of conflict and celebration.
A former trial attorney, RW Holmen has previously published a work of historical fiction ( A Wretched Man, a novel of Paul the apostle ), and his sense of advocacy and his knack for storytelling ring loud and clear. The subjects of Queer Clergy, the iconic pilgrims and prophets from the earliest days to the present, have been his principal sources and fact-checkers.
On Friday evening, February 21 at 6:00 PM, author Holmen will discuss the book in Hyde Park. The event is sponsored and hosted by Augustana Lutheran Church and Lutheran Campus Ministries ( located on 55th Street between Woodlawn and University ).
On Saturday evening, February 22, 5:00-7:00 PM, Mark Bowman, the Director of the LGBT Religious Archives Network, will host a wine and cheese party with the author. 5352 N. Kenmore Avenue, #3.
On Sunday afternoon, February 23, 3:00 PM, a trio of Arlington Heights congregations will sponsor Holmen's appearance. The event will be at Congregational UCC, 1001 W Kirchhoff Rd, Arlington Heights and co-sponsored by St. John UCC & First United Methodist.
All are welcome to these free events. Books will be available for purchase. For more information, call 320-492-6660 or browse www.rwholmen.com .