Yunuen TRUJILLO. LGBTQ Catholics: A Guide to Inclusive Ministry. New Jersey: Paulist Press, 2022. pp. 113. $19.95 pb. ISBN 978-0-8091-5577-4. Reviewed by Michael J. TKACIK, Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, FL 33574.

Heralding the Gospel call to love and respect all persons as the image and likeness of God, Yunuen Trujillo illuminates how the church can pastorally care for LGBTQ--and all-- persons in a manner that authentically listens to, encounters, and accompanies others so that we might receive the grace that others have to share with us. Via her own personal story, and the stories and experiences of other LGBTQ Catholics, Trujillo invites the church to model the example of Jesus’ ministry which is marked by encounters with others which perceive and treat persons as persons. When we dispose ourselves accordingly, we live out the call to discipleship that Jesus invites us to and we faithfully contribute to the building up and edification of the Body of Christ, the church.

The work provides a loving narrative chock full of parish, diocesan, regional, national and international resources for LGBTQ persons, their families and loved ones, and for all who wish to love and support them. Identifying harmful and hurtful stereotypes, prejudices, and biases frequently projected onto our LGBTQ sisters and brothers, Trujillo offers wisdom which lends to conversion of heart and mind which, in turn, illuminates possibilities for more inclusive and affirming ministries within the Catholic Church for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

An overview of basic church doctrines and select Magisterial documents not only provide a synopsis of the church’s teachings regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, prohibitions against harassment, discrimination, hatred and violence, and the virtue of chastity, but also considers more broadly how church teachings regarding a preferential option, the right to work, the common good, and solidarity are germane and relevant vis-à-vis the treatment of LGBTQ persons. Perhaps some consideration of how these self-same documents lend to the very injustices they seek to combat (particularly due to the disparaging terms and characterizations frequently utilized in discussing and describing LGBTQ persons) is warranted, as is greater consideration of the church’s position regarding homosexuality vis-à-vis the traditional procreative end/good of sex. A brief introduction to historical-critical biblical exegesis and hermeneutics is also provided so as to shed light on what appropriate biblical interpretation entails and to serve as a caution against non-critical proof-texting of scripture in ways that non-critically lend to unjust condemnation of LGBTQ persons.  

   The book radiates love. It provides a roadmap and resources, and illustrative applications of them, which lend to creating interpersonal relationships and church ministries which recognize, affirm, and provide space for LGBTQ Catholics to rightfully express their God-given dignity, Spirit-endowed charisms, and baptismal gifts. It facilitates prayer and discernment regarding how all of us might make it our mission to model Jesus and create the church community which evidences that it is, indeed, the Body of Christ in which each and all of its members is vital to the whole.