The Evangelical Fellowship
for Lesbian and Gay Christians

Living it Out: A Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Christians and Their Friends, Families and Churches
by Rachel and Sarah Hagger-Holt (2009) Paperback: 144 pages Price:£12.99, ISBN: 978-1853119996

Here is a practical and affirming book for everyone facing this controversial issue whether as a gay or lesbian Christian seeking to live with integrity, their friends and families, church leaders seeking understanding and guidance. The authors draw on the experiences of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who have been personally involved with this issue. They use stories, reflections, readings, prayers, cartoons and top tips to suggest practical ways of managing and enriching relationships with God, the church, and other people. Upbeat, brave and open this is based on many Christians' lived experience and includes fifty first hand stories from men and women from all denominations.

Coming Out to God: Prayers for lesbians and gay men, their friends and families
by Chris Glaser (1991)Paperback: 168 pages £12.99 ISBN 0 664 25176 5

A collection of 60 prayers. Chris Glaser studied theology at Yale Divinity School. As a gay Christian he has worked tirelessly for reconciliation between the Church and the lesbian and gay community in the USA. He is the author of several books, including The Word is Out, a page-a-day devotional book relating the teaching of the Bible with lesgay experience, and his autobiography Uncommon Calling.

In the Eye of the Storm by Gene Robinson (2008) Paperback: 172 pages Price £12.99 ISBN: 978-1853119026

In 2003, Gene Robinson was elected as the Bishop of New Hampshire - the first openly gay man to be called to serve in such a position. Clearly beloved in his diocese and chosen from a wide selection of candidates, the election was entirely proper and the result clear cut, yet it sparked a hurricane storm of controversy that has polarised religious opinion on five continents and still rages five years on. Here, Gene Robinson reflects on his journey of faith, his life experiences, the concerns that matter most to him as a bishop and the controversy that has rocked the church he loves and to which he is committed.

The Service of my Love: The Celebration & Blessing of Civil Partnerships by Jim Cotter (2009) Hardback
Price: £10 ISBN 978 1 870652 45 2, available from Cairns Publications

We live in a society where it is legal to enter into a civil partnership between two people of the same sex, but where it is still against the rule book of the churches to celebrate and bless such a partnership. This book is addressed to a couple, ‘Pat’ and ‘Chris’, who come to their minister seeking a blessing; it sets the scene with five perspectives — pastoral, personal, ministerial, ecclesiastical and theological, and ethical — and provides liturgical resources, hymns and prayers for such an occasion.

If The Service of my Love can be talked about by clergy and couples, in local church groups and among people who can influence policies, it may help to advance the cause of justice and even help us to relax and laugh together.

The Post-evangelical by Dave Tomlinson (1995) Paperback: 160 pages Price £7.99 ISBN: 978-0281048144

For a growing number of Christians weaned on modern evangelicalism, the subculture and absolutism that accompany the dogma no longer fit. Dave Tomlinson, a rather "outside-the-box" Anglican priest in London, caused a major stir in the UK in 1995 with the release of The Post-Evangelical.

This is not about a cloaked move to liberalism. Or a full-frontal dive into relativism. Instead, The Post-Evangelical actually represents a step toward, rather than away, from one’s evangelical roots, exploring such issues as looking at the Bible as God’s story and getting beyond labels.

Re-enchanting Christianity by Dave Tomlinson (2008) Paperback: 160 pages Price £9.99 ISBN: 978-1853118579

Dave Tomlinson is author of "The Post Evangelical", a seminal book which acknowledged the disenchantment with simplistic approaches to faith experienced by many evangelicals. Many, locked into interpretations of Christianity that they can no longer accept, have given up on the Church altogether. But is re-enchantment possible in our post-modern, post-Christian age? Re-enchantment is not a return to credulity or an attempt to recapture lost innocence, but it is finding a realistic faith that reconciles heart and head, that offers a positive, engaging spirituality, that is unafraid of grappling honestly with difficult questions.

The Meaning in the Miracles by Jeffrey John (2001) Paperback: 256 pages Price £7.99 ISBN 978-1853114342

Many explanations of the miracles recorded in the Gospels fall into one of two questionable categories: unthinking acceptance or debunking, which leaves only some vague moral lessons to be learned. In this text, Jeffery John sets the miracles of Jesus in a wider biblical context and shows them to be loaded with theological and prophetic relevance. This broad perspective, which brings together theological enquiry and the needs of personal faith, should come as a revelation to many Christians searching for a proper understanding of Jesus' miracles.

Going to Heaven: The Life and Election of Bishop Gene Robinson
by Elizabeth Adams (2006) Paperback: 304 pages Price £10.99 ISBN: 978-1933368221

Through a lively text, based on extensive interviews with Bishop Robinson, his closest associates, family, colleagues and observers, and illustrated with photographs from all phases of his life, "Going to Heaven" paints a portrait of Bishop Robinson not as a symbol, but a human being who is, as he puts it, "neither the angel nor the devil some would make me out to be." It illuminates his life; his struggle with - and eventual acceptance of - his homosexuality; and his calling to become a priest and later a bishop. It tells the story of the critical events of his election and consecration amid intense opposition, huge security concerns and media attention. It then follows him through the next two years as he juggles dual roles - Bishop of New Hampshire, and symbol of gay achievement and the progressive church. The book concludes with a discussion of the deep theological and historical significance of Gene Robinson's election and personal vision for the future, and what this means both for individuals and for a Church seeking to be relevant in a post-modern world.

What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey (2002) Paperback: 304 pages Price £9.99 ISBN: 978-031024565

Philip says it best when he describes "grace" as the one unique word that distinguishes authentic Christianity throughout the ages. It's what I need every day; it's likely what you desire every day. Philip's book will prod us all to receive grace and dispense it. The results will surprise and delight us.

There is a chapter where he speaks of his friend Rev. Mel White who is gay. A very moving chapter in which his understanding of the gay issue is informed by his close friendship with White.

Disclosures: Conversations Gay and Spiritual by Michael Ford (2004) Paperback 144 pages Price £10.95 ISBN 978-0232525618

This volume provides a collection of interviews in which gay and lesbian Christians speak of their struggle to remain true to themselves and true to the Church. Here, through a series of moving and surprising portraits their stories are unveiled for the first time and offer insights into their psychological and spiritual lives.

The following books are out of print, but are available from private sellers on Amazon, and may be from other sources.