Voices Of Hope by Jeannine Gramick; Robert Nugent

“It is our hope that this resource, published in June, 1995, will arouse and sustain the consciousness of the Catholic community on gay and lesbian issues. May it provide encouragement and support for justice and reconciliation.

We hope that this offering might heal some of the pastoral problems among gay and lesbian Catholics. There are multiple voices speaking within the Church today. Not all of them are harsh or insensitive to lesbian and gay lives.

The “voices” in this collection challenge us to take whatever steps are called for to embody these courageous words in our lives together as followers of Christ. They call us to help structure and shape our political and ecclesial institutions and communities as models of justice and compassion. They ask us to examine our attitudes and practices towards others, and to recognize and negotiate human differences.

We hope that this publication may provide motivation and encouragement for all those who still believe it is crucial to speak honestly and respectfully to each other. We hope that in the not-too-distant future it will be necessary to publish an updated and expanded edition to include additional statements and pastoral plans that will be forthcoming from Catholic sources. May we work together, despite our differences, for a world and church transformed by the truth and compassion of the One who is the ultimate Voice of Hope for the world.” ~ From the Preface