source: Building a Bridge

source: Building a Bridge

The point where religion and LGBT identities meet is one of the biggest flashpoints of our time (and of multiple points in history). This film talks about the work of one Jesuit priest who looks to both sides of that divide with compassion, understanding, and hope. To Catholics who feel rejected by the church or elements within it, Fr. Martin says, "You are in a church that is still learning how to love you"--don't leave it yet, it needs you to live up to its full potential. To the church, in fact Pope Francis himself, Fr. Martin serves as a reminder to the institution's true and ideal essence of serving those on the margins, not getting caught up in the bad faith political positions and squabbles of the day. Fr. Martin's goodness and humanity, and the humanity of those he ministers to, is clear as day. People will look back on this movement and see how vital it was to our times.

I highly reccommend this movie! Having been raised Catholic, I know many people (myself included) who think it is nearly impossible for the Chuch to change. This film highlights a vey real effort to bring change to the Church - and to its members. It is really worth seeing, for the personal outreach efforts that hopefully will bear fruit in the near future. And the approach is balanced - it not only speaks to changes the church can make, but also how the LGBTQ community can work with the church. I have heard Fr. Martin speak on this topics sevearl times, and the film is a valuable tool to spead the message more widely than just his personal appearances. And of couse it is a good companion to the book of the same title.

A treasure...a wise and entertaining book that should appeal to the spiritual pilgrim in all of us, no matter what the faith and no matter whether believer or nonbeliever." Chicago Tribune The New York Times bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage turns his attention to the relationship between LGBT Catholics and the Church in this loving, inclusive, and revolutionary book. A powerful call for tolerance, acceptance, and support-and a reminder of Jesus' message for us to love one another. In this moving and inspiring book, Martin offers a powerful, loving, and much-needed voice in a time marked by anger, prejudice, and divisiveness. On the day after the Orlando nightclub shooting, James Martin S. J. posted a video on Facebook in which he called for solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters. "The largest mass shooting in US history took place at a gay club and the LGBT community has been profoundly affected," he began. He then implored his fellow Catholics-

As a non-Catholic, I came to this documentary having followed headlines in the media and with some preconceived notions about the issues. I came away with profound respect for Father Martin and the task he has taken on, the criticism he has endured, and the example of his outreach to a community that has not felt fully accepted. In a sense, for me at least, his message of inclusion is "preaching to the choir". However, I now understand the issues much more clearly. This is an important topic not only within the church but in society at large. Also, as I write this review, I am struck by the extreme emotions of other reviewers. So many 9- and 10-star reviews and so many 1-star reviews. Clearly, the audience feels very strongly about this topic and the polarization of the responses seems to indicate that the film has struck a nerve. That is the sign of a compelling documentary to watch. And, of course, it has the production value you would expect from any project with Martin Scorsese's input. Given all that, I want to advise ESPECIALLY those who think they will disagree with the content to watch. Will it change your mind? Who knows, but you will be better informed. It seems like many of us have retreated to our echo chambers and are quick to make judgments without any real investigation. My advice? Take the time to watch the film and then consider whether your attitude has shifted.

Pope Francis invites us to build a culture of encounter and to resist thinking of any geoup of people as disposable or not worthy of respect. This documentary highlights the inherent human dignity of ALL persons and offers insight into the experience of exclusion felt by many LGBT Catholics. Building a Bridge invites the viewer to follow the journey of Fr. James Martin as he walks alongside LGBT Catholics. Along the way we meet many people with various perspectives and experiences. Church moral teaching is presented accurately, while also put in dialogue with human experience and the call for a pastoral and compassionate responses. I highly recommend this film.

Fr. James Martin's book, Building a Bridge, presents a powerful and deeply spiritual message to all in our Catholic Church to live out Jesus' call to love and respect all persons as beloved children of God, including our beloved LGBTQ children, family members, and friends. The documentary, Building a Bridge, is a personal and vulnerable look at the work that Fr. Martin has so tirelessly engaged in to bring about greater understanding, sensitivity, and personal interaction between our Catholic communities and those in the LGBTQ community. The video would be a wonderful discussion tool in parishes!

This documentary describes the important work of Father James Martin, who has, for years, tirelessly advocated for LGBTQ Catholics. Based on his book, Building a Bridge, we're introduced to Fr. Martin's ministry to encourage respect, compassion, and sensitivity to a community long-marginalized by many conservative Catholics. Through the filmmakers' fine work, we're made aware of Fr. Martin's commitment to this important work to warmly welcome our often cruelly-estranged LGBTQ siblings back to the faith into which they were baptized. We meet Sister Jeannine Gramick who has also been willing to stand up to some of the decidedly un-Christ-like behavior of the purportedly pious. May this important film help strengthen the Catholic Church starting with the reminder that Jesus' message was unconditional love for all, especially those marginalized in his day!

"Building a Bridge" eloquently shares Fr. Martin's ministry of promoting a culture of belonging for each and every individual in our Church. "I always want to be close to Jesus, that is why I am doing this," is a tremendous reminder of what the Gospel calls us to-being a witness of God's love. I hope that Catholics across our country and beyond will watch with an open mind and spirit and come to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ Catholics. The stories that are shared by LGBTQ individuals and family members are a reminder that our Church has tremendous work to do to be a space of belonging for all. "Building a Bridge" is worth the watch and can be an important (but not the only) step in leading our Church in this direction.