In 2003, Gene Robinson was elected bishop in the rural Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. But this event has shaken Christendom to the roots since he is a 56-year-old man in an open, monogamous relationship with another man. Robinson has written this book in the hopes that it will address the divisiveness and hatred that excludes gay, bisexual, and transgendered people from the wider community of Christians. He believes that the life-changing work of God's Spirit was behind the movements that liberated African-Americans from the back of the bus and from separate water fountains and enabled women to serve at the altar and in the boardroom. Now that same Spirit is calling the church to open itself to all whom Jesus loves. There is no "us" and "them" in the kingdom of God. Robinson is able to utter these words even after being forced to wear a bulletproof vest at his consecration after receiving many death threats.

Robinson finds refreshment, challenges, and freedom in the Bible's words and stories. He discusses its references to homosexuality and sets them in their proper context. He admits that he is a recovering alcoholic and dependent on the resurrection power of the Holy One. He celebrates the mystery and the miracle of the Incarnation as offering us a felicitous "fear not" in the midst of times that draw out our insecurities. And Robinson states that the promise of an abundant and joyful life does not mean "playing it safe."

The author posits that the strong resistance to gay and lesbian people comes from those who are struggling against the waning of patriarchy. He sees the fights to end racism and sexism and to eliminate discrimination against LGBT people as intertwined. In response to the crisis of HIV/AIDS, Robinson notes:

"There are no throwaways in God's kingdom. Not one. We are called by the One who made us to be merciful, loving, and compassionate — not judgmental. We cannot call ourselves good Jews or Christians or Muslims or Hindus, nor even good members of the human race, and then go abut our own business doing nothing and 'passing by on the other side' as the priest and Levite passed by the man on the side of the road who has been robbed and beaten."

In the foreword to this book, Archbishop Desmond Tutu writes: "Gene Robinson is a wonderful human being, and I am proud to belong to the same church as he." He also apologizes to his brothers and sisters who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered for the cruelty and injustice that they have suffered at the hands of fellow Anglicans. Robinson's sturdy assessment and spiritual practice of reconciliation is what makes him so special as a teacher and leader.