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With the removal of sexual orientation as a bar to ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), pending approval of a majority of presbyteries, and the Episcopal Church’s 2009 General Convention calling for the development of theological and liturgical resources for same-sex blessings, sexual orientation—especially with regard to marriage—is a central issue. Secularly, too, the topic is front-page news with the recent California same-gender marriage ruling and subsequent Proposition 8 vote and the update of the Massachusetts same-gender marriage law.

This book sets forth the case for religious institutions’ blessing of same-gender marriage, positing that same-gender marriage does not detract from the sacredness of heterosexual marriage, but rather enhances and nourishes the institution.

Chapters include:

• “Claiming the Blessing”
• “Deeper Than Scripture”
• “Traditional Family Values”
• “The Sacred Source of Marriage”
• “Sex and the Body of Christ”
• “Marriage As a Spiritual Discipline”

“Marriage is a spiritual discipline in which we come to know ourselves as beloved, trustworthy, redeemed, forgiven, and blessed, and at the same time learn how to love, be faithful, redeem, forgive, and bless the partner as well as the community.” —Chris Glaser

Chris Glaser, a graduate of Yale Divinity School, has published a dozen best-selling books on spirituality, sexuality, vocation, contemplation, sacrament, theology, marriage, and now, death.

For Immediate Release August 24, 2009
Contact: Bill Falvey, 917-373-8510, wfalvey@cpg.org
Church Publishing, 445 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Pastor/Author/Activist Expands Case for Gay Marriage

(New York, NY) – Ever wonder why marriage for same-gender couples generates such fierce discussion and passion? Why is it so important to gay people? And why is it felt as an attack on “traditional” marriage by others?  Writing accessibly for the general reader, author Chris Glaser narrows it down—first to taboos around sexuality, then to taboos around the sacred, in this new title from Seabury Books:

As My Own Soul: The Blessing of Same-Gender Marriage
Chris Glaser   ISBN: 978-1-59627-118-0  $20.00   Paper   176 pgs   5.5 x 8.5
**Review copies, interviews, and excerpts available on request.**

Glaser presents the many contexts in which the conflict plays out, beginning with the present civil and religious contexts, and retrospectively in the biblical and historical forms and meanings of marriage. The reader comes away with a better grasp of the issues at stake, as well as the persons and the personal behind the “issue.” Especially the chapter “Sex and the Body of Christ” prompts a reconsideration of Christian attitudes toward the body and sexuality.

“What we want can be simply put,” says Rev. Glaser, “We want to belong.”
 
“We want to belong to each other in marriage. We want to belong to our congregations in ministry. We want to belong to our vocations in service. And we want everyone to belong, even those whose privilege grants them immediate access to blessings we can only pray for, work for, struggle for, and sometimes die for.” 

Glaser contends that the public debate on same-gender marriage has proven a blessing for the institution of marriage itself. His own conclusion of what marriage is—regardless of the genders involved—may surprise you.     

Chris Glaser is the author of ten books, including Coming Out to God and The Word Is Out. He has served congregations in California, Connecticut, and Georgia, and worked with ecumenical campus ministries at Yale, Penn, and the University of Southern California. He is a respected theologian and popular retreat leader, and is pastor of Virginia Highland Church in Atlanta, a Baptist and United Church of Christ congregation.

The new book can be ordered through any Episcopal, religious, or secular bookstore; through any online bookseller, or direct from the publisher by calling 800-242-1918 or by visiting www.churchpublishing.org.

Founded in 1918 and headquartered in New York City, CPI is the publisher of official worship materials, books, and music for the Episcopal Church, plus a multi-faceted publisher and supplier to the broader ecumenical marketplace. Publishing imprints include Church Publishing, Morehouse Publishing, and Seabury Books. Additional CPI divisions include Morehouse Church Supplies, a provider of church supplies, ecclesiastical furnishings, and vestments, located in Harrisburg, PA; and Morehouse Education Resources, which produces lectionary-based curriculum, faith formation programs, plus e-publishing resources and services, in Denver, CO.
Tear sheets and/or advance notice of publication is encouraged and appreciated.

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