Where the Edge Gathers: Building a Community of Radical Inclusion
Flunder, Yvette A., Pilgrim Press (Cleveland, 2005)

Book Review by Joshua Spencer

The author, Yvette Flunders, is Senior Pastor at the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in San Francisco, California. She has been a pastor for twenty years, and is also a known gospel artist. She attended the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California and earned her Masters of Divinity degree. At the San Francisco Theological Seminary, she completed a Doctorate of Ministry.

In this powerful book, she writes about the need for a ministry of radical inclusion of everyone. Indeed, the United Church of Christ’s message is one of an “extravagant welcome.” However, Yvette takes the next step to speak to those who truly feel ostracized and are oppressed by fear-based religion. The text preaches a message of welcoming the marginalized unconditionally as Christ welcomed and loved the lepers, prostitutes, and the poor.

Specifically, the marginalized that are the focus in the need of radical inclusion are SGL (Same Gender Loving) individuals, transgender persons, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Necessary attention is given to transgender people who are marginalized in the Church, the SGL community, employment, family, and society in general. Treated as the “other,” sometimes they are viewed as “freaks” or “spectacles.”
Due to this cruel injustice, such individuals become at greater risk to being infected with HIV/AIDS due to IV drug use in the form of transitional hormone treatment on the black market as available to the economically challenged.

However, Native Americans have a healthy view of transgender persons: they are seen as the most spiritual. Yvette asserts support that is indeed true as she has witnessed in her ministry, and notes what one member of her congregation said, “they are angels, not gender limited, created as a true reflection of God” (27). A beautiful statement and the author reminds us that our transgender kindred are wonderful children of God, and they offer great spiritual insight into the human relationship with God.

Suggestions are offered on how to reconcile with other Christians, especially those that are homophobic. First, the need of our collective voice to be heard. She says that “shadows are no longer threatening when light shines upon them,” and “secrets kill and silence equals death” (39). This process begins by openly talking about issues, describing horrible experiences, and listen to one another to reach a common ground for dialogue and recovery from injustice and discrimination.
Next, it is necessary for growth to occur in order to see past the physical and social perceptions of each other. Marginalized Christians, she states, can become a “force” due to “intimate and experience of God” (40). Finally, celebration happens when everyone sees through “the eyes of faith…the eyes of God.”

Furthermore, we are seen as a new creation as Christians, and have a ministry of reconciliation with those who have harmed us, the marginalized in society. Beautifully, she elaborates that “if we cannot see God in the struggle, then we cannot see God at all” (46).

This book is highly recommended to all Christians, especially the marginalized. As the author says, “We are a people of faith who speak truaths until change comes. Foundation is faith, not fear; love, not revenge” (116). If you want to use her advice on implementing the steps of radical inclusion, an appendix is provided detailing the twelve steps for beginning such a program. In essence, this is a great resource in finding self-esteem, empowerment, affirmation, and joy in the Lord to be blessed as God has created each and every person in the world.