Blessed Be

Chapter 3

I lived in Manhattan between 1980 and 1983. One of my closest friends during this period was Reid Farrell. At that point in his life, he was studying for the Episcopal priesthood at Manhattan’s General Theological Seminary, the same institution as my protagonist, Spencer Hill. Reid was graduated from the seminary and has had a successful and fulfilling vocation.

Like Spencer, Reid had to face the Episcopal Church’s evolving attitudes and acceptance of priests who were homosexual. Acceptance was granted or denied according to the diocese in question, and even acceptance was qualified in different ways.

As I worked on For Love Of God, Reid was very generous with his time, his insights, and his personal experience, helping me understand what life would be like for Spencer, as a gay man who feels called to the priesthood. It was only during the last few months of writing this story that I became aware of the tremendous strength of character, courage, and determination Reid showed in refusing to turn away from his calling or to betray his personal truth.

For Love Of GodReid Farrell refused to lie. He also knew that living a life that denied who he was would not only be less authentic for his parishioners, but also it would feel like slapping God in the face. He was the perfect advisor to help me represent Spencer honestly and realistically.

So I thank Reid for his help and support. But even more, I admire him. And while the denigration of queer people continues to be a problem that affects and sometimes ruins lives, the Blessed Be series is my latest effort to help bring respectful acceptance to the queer community.

Blessed Be