I Came Here Seeking a Person

This book is a contemporary account of a spiritual journey by a sober, gay, ex-Jesuit clinician and community leader writing at the complicated intersection of faith, psychology, sexuality, culture, and exponential social change. The book's themes are both "of the moment" and universal; they are difficult, and yet hopeful. "This gorgeously-written bookis a beckoning, a heart-song, an invitation to discover the face of the divine in each other. This is a magnificent book!" Mirabai Starr, author of Caravan of No Despair and Wild Mercy "I Came Here Seeking a Person is a deep and fascinating book worthy of the great Thomas Merton, whom Bill considers his mentor." Ron Hansen, author of Mariette in Ecstasy, professor at Santa Clara University "Beautifully written, captivatingly expressive, this book is genuine literature.. . Bill Glenn reveals an aspect of gay experience that few tend to considerthe spiritual." Daniel Helminiak, author of The Human Core of Spirituality and Sex and the Sacred: Gay Identity and Spiritual Growth "This is a stunningly insightful personal account of a Queer person of faith. Generations to come will marvel at the 'all of it' LGBTQ+ people had to cope with and challenge as we came into our own as lovers and beloveds during the pandemics of homophobia, heterosexism, and AIDS." Rev. Chris Glaser, author of Uncommon Calling: A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church "Taking us along as his companions, Bill revisits the remarkable moments and souls that have shaped his life. These humble reflections of a former Jesuit, psychologist, gay man, and respected leader are a gift to all of us who yearn to know ourselves more fully." Nick Carter, president emeritus, Andover Newton School of Theology "Bill shows us how grace lands in the various chapters of his life and leads him to risk whatever it takes to find his way home to deep and lasting love. His story will help us to stay true to our own." Sonny Manuel, SJ, author, clinical psychologist, professor emeritus, Santa Clara University William D. Glenn is a psychotherapist and spiritual director. Currently the chair of the Board of Trustees of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, with husband Scott Hafner, he is the cofounder of its Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion. He has served as executive director of Continuum and president of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.