Building a Bridge

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.

Loved this film, love Father Martin, and all he does to represent those on the margins. This is such a thought provocative, educational film that gives such great representation to the community. Had to buy this the minute it came out. Father Martin does a phenomenal job preaching Christ's mission, and the film makers did just as phenomenal a job in showing that work.

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!

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.