Synopses & Reviews
Until Christmans Eve 1991, Mel White was regarded by the leaders of the religious right as one of their most talented and productive supporters. He penned the speeches of Ollie North. He was a ghostwriter for Jerry Falwell, worked with Jim Bakker, flew in Pat Robertson's private jet, walked sandy beaches with Billy Graham. What these men didn't know was that Mel Whiteevangelical minister, committed Christian, family manwas gay.
In this remarkable book, Mel White details his twenty-five years of being counseled, exorcised, electric-shocked, prayed for, and nearly driven to suicide because his church said homosexuality was wrong. But his salvationto be openly gay and Christianis more than a unique coming-out story. It is a chilling exposé that goes right into the secret meetings and hidden agendas of the religious right. Told by an eyewitness and sure to anger those Mel White once knew best, Stranger at the Gate is a warning about where the politics of hate may lead America
a brave book by a good man whose words can make us richer in spirit and much wiser too.
Review
"An engrossing journey to unite sexuality with faith. Fascinating
harrowing
a remarkable and important story"
Dallas Morning News
"A courageous and important book
a clarion call for justice and freedom."
Malcolm Boyd, Episcopal priest, author of Take Off the Mask
"[Mel White is] perhaps the finest writer I know
a man of integrity and fairness."
Jerry Falwell, to Daniel Cattau of the Dallas Morning News
"Compelling
eloquent and compassionate
We learn as much about growing up in the Christian right as we do about gay life in Mel White's heartfelt and revealing memoir."
San Francisco
Synopsis
"Compelling... eloquent and compassionate... We learn as much about growing up in the Christian right as we do about gay life in Mel White's heartfelt and revealing memoir."--San Francisco Examiner Until Christmas Eve 1991, Mel White was regarded by the leaders of the religious right as one of their most talented and productive supporters. He penned the speeches of Ollie North. He was a ghostwriter for Jerry Falwell, worked with Jim Bakker, flew in Pat Robertson's private jet, walked sandy beaches with Billy Graham. What these men didn't know was that Mel White--evangelical minister, committed Christian, family man--was gay.
In this remarkable book, Mel White details his twenty-five years of being counseled, exorcised, electric-shocked, prayed for, and nearly driven to suicide because his church said homosexuality was wrong. But his salvation--to be openly gay and Christian--is more than a unique coming-out story. It is a chilling expose that goes right into the secret meetings and hidden agendas of the religious right. Told by an eyewitness and sure to anger those Mel White once knew best, Stranger at the Gate is a warning about where the politics of hate may lead America... a brave book by a good man whose words can make us richer in spirit and much wiser too.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [318]-319).
About the Author
Mel White is a writer, filmmaker, and former ghostwriter of books, authobiographies, and speeches for Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Jim Bakker, and Oliver North. He is the author of such inspirational bestsellers as In the Presence of Mine Enemies and Tested by Fire. Presently, Dr. White serves as the National Minister of Justice for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches from his position as Dean of Dallas's Cathedral of Hope (M.C.C.), the largest gay and lesbian church in the world. He and his partner, Gary Nixon, live in Dallas, Texas.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Chapter One: In the Beginning - The Ghost of Silence
Chapter Two: Adolescence - The Ghost of Fear
Chapter Three: High School - The Ghost of Loneliness
Chapter Four: College - The Ghost of False Hope
Chapter Five: 1962-64, Learning to Tell the Truth
Chapter Six: 1964-70, Learning About Friendship
Chapter Seven: 1970-80, Taking the First Steps Toward Integrity
Chapter Eight: 1980-81, Facing Reality
Chapter Nine: 1981, Surviving Infatuation and Isolation
Chapter Ten: 1982-83, "It's Going to Be All Right, Dad!"
Chapter Eleven: 1984-90, Giving Up the Ghost!
Chapter Twelve: 1990-91, One Last Year of Silence
Chapter Thirteen: 1991-93, A Ghost No More!
Chapter Fourteen: 1993-94, Time for Doing Justice!
Appendix: Six Letters to the Religious Right
Author's Notes, References, and Resources