In this time of massive human suffering through wars and continued acts of
terrorism, it seems curious that so much attention has been focused upon issues of
sexual identity. In our churches, our statehouses, and our courtrooms, we have been
spending vast amounts of time debating the morality of sexual relations, in
particular of gay relationships.
God's Friends has invited four noted thinkers and writers to explore the
topic of sexuality in relation to spiritual life and practice. Joan Roughgarden, a
professor of evolutionary biology at Stanford University, talks about sexuality in
scripture as viewed through the lens of science. Juan Oliver, director of the
Mercer School of Theology in New York, explores what it is we do as a church when
we offer a blessing for same-sex couples. Author Jacob Slichter recounts his
experiences trying to reconcile his deeply rooted Christianity with his sexual life
as a single man. And in an interview, author and Roman Catholic priest James Alison
talks about not talking about sexuality in Egypt, Great Britain, and America.
In the end, talking about these things is the only way to move forward in
reconciling the sharp differences among members of our Anglican Communion and in
society at large. We have very good conversations going on in these pages,
and I hope you'll enjoy listening in.
Dave Hurlbert, Issue Editor