Queer theology of sainthood emerges on Episcopal Divinity School blog

My article “A Queer Theology of Sainthood Emerges” is today’s top story at 99 Brattle, the prestigious blog of the Episcopal Divinity School.

The article begins, “A queer theology of sainthood is emerging now as LGBT people seek and find alternative ways to lead loving lives. Saints have been criticized as tools for enforcing conformity, but the desire for LGBT saints is springing up from the grassroots -- and the need is largely being met by individuals, not religious institutions.”

I go on to consider LGBT saints from a viewpoint that is “queer” as defined by theologian Patrick Cheng in his book “Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology.” It can be an umbrella term for marginalized sexualities and gender identities. But Cheng explains that the term also denotes an attitude: “In recent years, the word ‘queer’ has been used by many LGBT people as a positive label that proudly embraces all that is transgressive or opposed to societal norms, particularly with respect to sexuality and gender identity.”

Read the whole article at this link:
http://99brattle.blogspot.com/2011/11/queer-theology-of-sainthood-emerges.html

I’m honored be among the renowned theologians and scholars at the 99 Brattle Blog, including Carter Heyward, Mary Hunt, Chris Glaser, Kwok Pui-lan, Patrick Cheng, Rita Nakashima Brock, and Toby Johnson.

The 99 Brattle Blog bills itself as “progressive theology and critical thinking to transform the world.” May the queer saints be with them!