Cornerstones

Editors Mark Guevarra and Ish Ruiz have compiled a diversity of testimonies from LGBTQ+ people who have worked in Catholic schools and parishes. These stories underscore some of the blessings and challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ employees in Catholic institutions. This anthology offers a view into the lives of people who answered the call to serve in Catholic schools or parishes despite the risk of termination. In many cases, their fears materialized as their employment was terminated...
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Editors Mark Guevarra and Ish Ruiz have compiled a diversity of testimonies from LGBTQ+ people who have worked in Catholic schools and parishes. These stories underscore some of the blessings and challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ employees in Catholic institutions. This anthology offers a view into the lives of people who answered the call to serve in Catholic schools or parishes despite the risk of termination. In many cases, their fears materialized as their employment was terminated for reasons pertaining to their LGBTQ+ identity. In other cases, the institutions retained these employees, thus modeling what is possible when religious leaders courageously model Jesus's call to radical inclusive love. Most importantly, this volume contains stories of faith, dedication, and sacrifice which show how those on the margins are becoming the foundation of a renewed and vibrant church. These stones that have been rejected have become the cornerstones of our Catholic communities. As this anthology demonstrates, LGBTQ+ Church employees are unique, gifted, and indispensable leaders in the Catholic Church.