Hatred is a human emotion—not a divine one.

Is it possible for a member of the GLBT community to be Christian? Yes, it is! Religion, Faith and the GLBT Community is a lesbian-, gay-, bisexual- and transgender-friendly look at what the Bible actually says about us as a community. The author, Reverend Sarah Carpenter, was raised in a conservative, Republican, Catholic household and has known she was a male-to-female transsexual from age five. After a lifelong struggle, she finally transitioned and began living as herself in 2005. She has spent the last ten years advocating for equal rights for the GLBT community and has spoken to civic and religious groups across the country, furthering awareness of GLBT struggles and generating support for protections of GLBT community members. After a careful review of church history and a close look at the Bible—looking for any justification for the inexcusably un-Christian treatment that members of the GLBT community have suffered at the hands of various religious organizations—Reverend Carpenter came up with some findings that some may find surprising: “God is not upset with us or anything we’ve done. He knows us better than we know ourselves.” This beautifully written study is not only important for members of the GLBT community. It’s a book that will help others discover God’s infinite wisdom and all-encompassing love—which may be a first step toward acceptance of all His creations.

Reverend Sarah Carpenter was ordained in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy. She received a master’s degree in Biblical Studies in 2000 and was awarded a doctorate in New Testament Studies in 2006. Reverend Carpenter has two adult daughters and recently retired after 33 years in clinical engineering. She is currently living in Massachusetts.