Where the Edge Gathers:: Building a Community of Radical Inclusion

by Yvette A. Flunder and Rachel Lacey

Book Overview

In Where the Edge Gathers, Flunder uses examples of persons most marginalized by church and society to illustrate the use of village ethics--knowing where the boundaries are when all things are exposed--and village theology--giving everyone a seat at the central meeting place or welcome table. She focuses on the following marginalized groups: same-sex couples, to convey the need to re-examine sexual and relational ethics; transgendered persons, to illustrate the importance of radical inclusivity; and gay persons living with AIDS, to emphasize the need to de-stigmatize society's view of any group of people. The book, which combines both Flunder's personal experiences with marginalized people and theological and pastoral literature on the topic, will appeal to denominational leaders and clergy who minister to the marginalized and the inner city.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0829816380
• ISBN13: 9780829816389
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: Pilgrim Press
• Length: 162 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A powerful talk back to stubborn Christian fundamentalists. Should've been written in easier English

A most eloquent account against the steadfast obduracy of the Christian fundamentalists as reflected in their deadly scriptural abuse based on prejudice - and indeed deadly prejudice based on scriptural abuse. One little weakness about the book is that the author used obscure language almost throughout the volume (most especially the first part on "community") and I had quite a hard time reading and getting what she exactly meant. But after having figured out her messages I couldn't want to stop. I'd rather she had written it in plain, simple everyday English. This book is essential for people who suffer from unjust mockery and/or rejection from the church not because of what they did, but simply because of who they are.

Radically Inclusive Love!!

This book is fantastic! Bishop Flunder powerfully explains why the church is called to show the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ ESPECIALLY to people on the margin. Marginalize persons are those out of the mainstream, those who have been culturally judged as being something less, second class, not good enough for full inclusion. It is people on the margin that are most called to authenticity and transparency. It is those of US on the margin that will demonstrate to the rest of the church and the world how powerful God's grace and love is. If you are struggling to come out because of the cost, you must read this book. Come out! Come out! Come out!! If you are struggling with how your church community should include and incorporate those on the margins, you must read this book. The Bishop also talks about how we should move beyond affirmation and inclusion to accountability and responsibility. It's not enough to be loved and affirmed, those of us on the margin must claim our full rights, full inclusion; this means we take roles, duties, and are held responsibile and accountable to community. There is also a great argument included for same gender loving unions/marriages and how the church especially should be in support of these.