Building a Bridge

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!

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.

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.

"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 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!