With Listening Hearts: Understanding the Voices of Lesbian and Gay Catholics [Paperback]

Peter J. Liuzzi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2001

Written by the Director of the Lesbian and Gay Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and with a foreword by Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton, California, this new book presents a compassionate explanation of official Church teaching on homosexuality. Using the letter from the North American Bishops, the book presents new, positive thoughts on the issue and the sound pastoral practices that arise from them. Above all, the book emphasizes the Church's position that personhood is more than one's sexual orientation and that God and grace are found in every person's story--without exception. The author is the leading Catholic in this ministry in the country. With clarity, simplicity, and humaneness, he explains basic definitions of homosexuality, addresses the issue of nurture vs. nature, and looks at what both Church and Scripture say. He provides warmth, hope, and encouragement while at the same time adhering strictly to Church teaching. Homosexuality is today's hottest topic in practical ministry, yet most people are reluctant to approach it. Many do not know what the Church actually says about it and believe the subject is one of knee-jerk black or white. This enlightening book is must reading for anyone affected by the issue: Catholic gays and lesbians, their families and friends, their pastors and parish staff members. It also belongs on the bookshelf of every diocesan office, all Catholic educators, AIDS/HIV lay ministers, family counselors, Catholic guidance counselors, and Catholic chaplains.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A helpful little book. -- Los Angeles Times

I recommend it highly for anyone who needs to understand the world of homosexual living. -- Juan Arzube, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles (Retired)

This basic book can also be helpful to gay and lesbian Catholics, spiritual directors, church leaders, pastors, and educators. -- Presence

About the Author

For the past nine years, Peter J. Liuzzi, OCarm, has been Director of the Lesbian and Gay Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He lives in Arleta, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809139839
• ISBN-13: 978-0809139835
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,622,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An important read for ministers, July 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: With Listening Hearts: Understanding the Voices of Lesbian and Gay Catholics (Paperback)

This is a very poignant and informative book for anyone in ministry (especially in the Catholic Church). Fr. Liuzzi is compassionate and creative in his approach, but clear and firm about the Catholic Church's position and limits. I don't agree with the church, but I certainly understand it better now.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful-- balanced, sensitive, and orthodox, July 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: With Listening Hearts: Understanding the Voices of Lesbian and Gay Catholics (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book for anyone who has a friend or family member struggling with the reality of a homosexual orientation within the context of a Catholic spirituality and identity. It is very readable--you don't have to speak "vaticanese" to understand the theology explained. It is practical, it is affirming, and it gives insights into the stories of real people and their experiences. Books like this give me great hope.