On Thundering Wings: Homosexuality, Love & the Church on Trial

by Ermalou McDuffie Roller

In 1999, Ermalou Roller's life intersected with that of Greg Dell, a Methodist minister put on trial by the church for performing union ceremonies for gay members of his congregation. As Dell's colleague, Roller began to examine her own personal trials. She had experienced love for a man outside her marriage, for a father she'd never known, for a gay husband and three children (one of whom is gay), for God, and for the church - although she would challenge its failure to respect all of God's beloved community. Roller's intimate and moving account of her own life, juxtaposed with the dramatic records of Greg Dell's trial, advances the discussion of gays in the church and offers profound insights into acceptance, forgiveness and love in all its forms. Roller is the only person to secure the required permission to use the official transcript of Rev. Dell's trial. Although widely covered by the national media, reporters were not allowed any recording devices in the trial room. Thus, Roller's book offers the compelling, powerful and historic testimony to the public for the first time. Roller's own experience as the former wife of a closeted gay man, mother of a gay son, and pastor and district superintendent of congregations, challenges negative church and cultural attitudes about GLBTs by revealing how injury to that community is exasperated by collateral damage to faithful pastors and to family units.

202 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Gman2526 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful and captivating read. Ermalou shares her story in a forthright and candid style. Despite the various setbacks and tragedies that confronted her throughout her life, Ermalou held on to her faith and to her belief in a loving and just God.