Building a Bridge

"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.

This film teaches me how to be kind and accepting of LGBTQ persons and that includes people I know -- in my family, friends and new persons I may meet. No matter what gender a person feels most themselves we are all human beings, persons who deserve to be respected. My sister shared the film and I like how Father Martin is SO kind and caring to the people he is meeting in the film. He also seems willing to learn from others so that we can all help and be helped. We all have our story and so it's important to listen to everyone.

Hatred is bad. There is more love to go around so let's love LGTBQ!

Thank you Fr Jim and those who made this film possible. I finally feel loved and accepted by my community. The Christ like behavior from this simple priest is reflected by the leader of the Church, Pope Francis. The negativity and hatred that is spewed at these holy men, is sad and demonic. The true face of God is Love and Mercy, and the only judgment comes from how you treat others. Anything but this comes from below, because God is Love. Thank you Father Jim for taking up this cross that wasn't even yours, your truly doing God's work 🙏 and thanks to Outreach Resources that helps to spread the Word.

A balanced and insightful documentary. It is tragic that Jesus message of love and mercy isn't what we share with the LGTBQ community - and anyone for that matter. Fr James Martin is a role model in prayerful discernment, of following where the Holy Spirit calls him to be. This is what Jesus modeled for us. Inspiring and hopeful! Thank you for writing this book and I hope that many hear and take to heart the knowledge that Gods love is already theirs.

Fr. Martin is perennially on the side of family, friends, and civility, with more than a touch of humor. He reminds us that patience is valuable. The fact that change is coming far too slowly for some and far too quickly for others shouldn't surprise anyone. God is never on the side of cruelty, however. The value of "Building a Bridge," beyond being a snapshot of our times, is that it reminds us to resist the very human temptation to lash out at others we disagree with, or retaliate when we feel attacked personally or in our spiritual views. I would very much like to see this film updated in ten or fifteen years. I have a feeling the snapshot will look different then.