One year after the publication of The
Church and the Homosexual, McNeill received an order from the "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith" under Cardinal Ratzinger in the Vatican, now Pope Benedict, ordering him to silence in the public media. He observed the silence for nine years while continuing a private ministry to gays and lesbians which included psychotherapy, workshops, lectures and retreats. In 1988, he received a further order from Cardinal Ratzinger directing him to give up all ministry to gay persons which he refused to do in conscience. As a result, he was expelled by the Vatican from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) for challenging the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on the issue of homosexuality, and for refusing to give up his ministry and psychotherapy practice to gay men and lesbians. McNeill had been a Jesuit for nearly 40 years.For
more than thirty-five years, John J. McNeill, an ordained priest and psychotherapist, has been devoting his life to spreading the good news of God's love for lesbian and gay Christians.

The Owls Nest is the only mail order store where you can purchase copies of McNeill's books autographed by the author and inscribed to whomever you wish at no extra charge.
If you wish to purchase autographed and inscribed copies of McNeill's books,
please go to The Owls Nest Book Store for ordering information.
Both Feet Firmly Planted in Midair Here are some of the comments made by his peers about his autobiography: Go back to the Book List to order John McNeill's books from Amazon.com Please click here Return to the
Select from the following titles for detailed descriptions, including excerpts, from each of John McNeill's books.
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John McNeill's autobiography:
My Spiritual Journey
By John McNeill
(Published September 1998,
by Westminster/John Knox Press)
In this deeply personal and moving autobiography, McNeill speaks candidly about the early steps and frequent perils encountered along his personal journey. Through his continued scholarship, spiritual reflection, and untiring activism, McNeill has brought hope and affirmation to thousands of gay and lesbian Christians.
Poignant, frequently astonishing, and always
hopeful, this testament to an extraordinary life will inspire all who read
it.
The autobiography is available from both The Owls Nest and Amazon.com.
Rev. Troy D. Perry, Founder,
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC)
Author, The Lord Is My Shepherd & He Knows I'm Gay
"What is particularly striking is the manner in which he is able to
critique the behavior of ecclesial hierarchy toward gays and lesbians without
rejecting the Christian faith. All through his book he draws the reader's
attention to the riches of the Christian tradition that have been such
a source of help and inspiration to him. Indeed, McNeill is a contemporary
Christian prophet whose life and ministry bear witness to the liberating
power of the Gospel.
"McNeill has been through the valley of abandonment and self-rejection
and has emerged to become a beacon of hope for others, not only for gays
and lesbians but, as I know from personal experience, for anyone who is
willing to hear him. He has the singular gift of being able to share his
story in a way that helps others understand their own struggles better."
The Rev. A. J. van den Blink, Ph.D., President, AAPC (American Association
of Pastoral Counselors) Professor of Ascetical and Pastoral Theology, Bexley
Hall Seminary
Mary E. Hunt, Ph.D. Co-Director, WATER (Women's Alliance for Theology,
Ethics and Ritual)
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Kornfeld, President-elect AAPC (American Association of Pastoral Counselors),
Author, Cultivating Wholeness: A Guide to Care & Counseling in Faith
Communities
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Last Revision: 04 November 2007
Designed by: Charles Chiarelli (email: charlie253@aol.com)