Description:
Grounded in an autoethnographic approach, this book draws from the author's personal experiences as a gay woman and former priest who faced institutional shaming.
Drawing on practical theologies of shame, and the work of Christian anthropology, it challenges traditional theological perspectives on sin and human nature, proposing a person-centred model that emphasizes unconditional love and positive self-regard.
By exposing and addressing the Church's role in constructing shame, the book proposes a pathway towards healing and self-acceptance for those marginalized by faith-based shaming.
Brief description:
Brenda Hopkins is a person-centred psychotherapist, and former Church of England priest. She holds a Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology from Cambridge Theological Federation/Anglia Ruskin University and is a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy. She no longer exercises a priestly ministry following marriage to Louise, her partner of almost 30 years, and now dances at the edges of Church.