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John W. Weiser’s Grasp the Nettle details the profoundly pious life of Bishop William E. Swing, taking readers on a journey across the complex and inspiring experiences of a life utterly devoted to service to the Lord and healing the flock of their troubles and anxieties.

The now-retired Bishop William Swing is a major figure of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Throughout his life he was lived according to his faith in Jesus Christ. He lived according to his deep faith in the potential of man that was afforded to them by the Creator.

One of the most faithful episodes in Bishop Swing’s life was during the AIDS epidemic. This plague ravished America, killing more than 13,000 people by 1987. The AIDS crises of the late 20th century tore communities apart all across the world. It was a dark time, especially for many gay people, who bore the brunt of the viral catastrophe. Their communities were inundated with fear, uncertainty, and immense suffering. Living through the day was cause enough for celebration–a miracle amidst great waves of death.

Keeping the Faith During the AIDS Crisis

Despite Christianity’s at-best tenuous history with people of alternate lifestyles, religious leaders (those who were sympathetic and did not forget that all people were children of God, regardless of their choices) played a pivotal role in being active vehicles for spiritual solace and practical support. Many in the Episcopal Church provided a sense of hope to those affected and their loved ones. One such leader was Bishop William E. Swing of the Episcopal Diocese of California. He emerged as a bright beacon of compassion and inclusivity amidst the darkening tide of vitriol and rejection. It was because of his work that many LGBT Christians during this time found peace and reconciliation with Jesus Christ.

Healing the flock must always be the goal of ministry
Healing the flock must always be the goal of ministry

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Healing the Flock: The Light of Inclusion

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:16

While many churches and organizations struggled to respond to the crisis, often misled by fear and misunderstanding, there were also many leaders who condemned instead of comforted. These people perpetuated stigma and discrimination among their number when they should have turned the other cheek and welcomed the pariahs to their doors as Jesus Christ Did. Yet, there were many as well who rose to the challenge, offering love and support to those in dire need.

As the Bishop of California, William E. Swing was a vocal advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, especially those from within the LGBTQ community–a demographic that had mostly been shunned by the majority of Christian churches and organizations at the time. He challenged the prevailing attitudes of the time, calling–amidst the furor–for compassion and understanding. This was because he so believed that ministry should be rooted in the supreme belief that all people are created in the image of God and all people deserve dignity and respect.

Healing the flock must always be the goal of ministry
Healing the flock must always be the goal of ministry

Photo by Rene Terp

Healing the Flock: A Ministry of Compassion

Swing’s ministry was particularly noted for its recognition of the challenges that LGBTQ individuals faced. Thus, in mirroring Christ’s care for the marginalized, he sought to create a more welcoming church, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, furthering even to include those of other faiths and creeds. If Christ himself did not object to placing lepers and prostitutes under his wing, why must Christians narrow the range of their compassion?

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Proverbs 14:31

During the height of the AIDS crisis, the Episcopal Diocese of California established a dense network of support for those who had been affected. These included–but was not limited to–counseling and medical care. Bishop Swing was deeply committed to this cause that he visited patients in hospitals and talked to their loved ones, personally offering spiritual comfort and a place in his church. He was an avid advocate for policies that would improve the lives of those affected.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to both the AIDS response and to the church was his unwavering support for LGBTQ clergy. Throughout his tenure as the Bishop of California, he uplifted many, ordaining numerous gay and lesbian priests and deacons. His actions paved the way for the greater acceptance of LGBTQ individuals within the Episcopal Church.

Grasp the Nettle is available in all major online bookstores, but if you want to order a copy right now, click on this link to get to where you can!

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