“Retreating Forward: A Spiritual Practice with Transgender Persons”
David Elias Weekley
Wipf & Stock, 2017, 136 pages

At A Glance: “Retreating Forward” offers an educational and practical guide for spiritual care and inclusivity towards transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in faith communities, based on a transformative retreat model.

Overview: “Retreating Forward: A Spiritual Practice with Transgender Persons” by David Elias Weekley is a crucial resource for understanding and supporting the transgender community within spiritual settings. Addressing the marginalization and vulnerability faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, especially within faith communities, Weekley’s book provides a transformative retreat model. This model is designed to offer spiritual leaders, individuals, and faith communities insights into delivering supportive, educational, and practical spiritual care.

The book, rooted in Weekley’s experiences as a transgender pastor and advocate, highlights the importance of creating inclusive, welcoming spaces within religious contexts, emphasizing listening, hospitality, and attentiveness as central to Christian life and mission.

Thoughts from Readers: