Research Guides: Faith & Justice Summer Reading 2025: June Book Discussions

Wednesday, June 4th: Radical Hospitality and Welcoming the Stranger

Cornerstones: Sacred Stories of LGBTQ+ Employees in Catholic Institutions by Ish Ruiz (Editor); Mark Guevarra (Editor)
ISBN: 9780935877106
Publication Date: 2024-05-01
From the back cover:
"In 'Cornerstones: Sacred Stories of LGBTQ+ Employees in Catholic Instutions', editors Mark Guevarra and Ish Ruiz have compiled a diversity of testimonies from LGBTQ+ people who have worked in Catholic schools and parishes. These stories underscore the blessings and challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ church employees, and they protray the lives of people who answered the call to serve in the Catholic Church despite the risk of termination...these are stories of faith, dedication, and sacrifice which show how those on the margins are becoming the foundation of a renewed and vibrant church."

Dr. Pat Somers will lead the discussion at the Heble Center for Benedictine Values and on Zoom. Please read the book "Cornerstones: Sacred Stories of LGBTQ+ Employees in Catholic Institutions" edited by Ish Ruiz and Mark Guevarra to participate in the discussion.

Date of Discussion:

Wednesday, June 4th, 12:30pm CT

Heble Center for Benedictine Values and on Zoom. Email campusministry@ben.edu to register.

Ask at the Library's Circulation Desk for a print copy of the book to check out. This book is only available in print.

Wednesday, June 12th Migrants at the Border Reading Discussion: 12pm CST

Joy Matteson, University Librarian, will lead the book discussion entitled Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope by

Article Discussion: "I've volunteered at Annunciation House. The Texas attorney general is plain wrong."
A National Catholic Report article about Annunciation House, a nonprofit in Texas that supports migrants, refugees, and others at the U.S./Texas border.
Annunciation House
"Close to 100 years old, somewhat dilapidated, located on the fringe of El Paso’s biggest barrio, and some ten blocks from the US/ Mexico border, this two-story, red brick building has been home to thousands of refugees and migrant poor. This building, this house of hospitality, this sanctuary, is known as Annunciation House."

Tuesday, June 18th Juneteenth and Black Liberation Theology Book Discussion: 12pm CST

For the week of Juneteenth, we'll be discussing James Cone's classic Black liberation theology book, "The Cross and the Lynching Tree". Click on the link to find a copy of the book in the Library or inter-library loan.

The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone
ISBN: 9781570759376
Publication Date: 2011-10-01
"The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. While the lynching tree symbolized white power and black death, the cross symbolizes divine power and black life, God overcoming the power of sin and death. For African Americans, the image of Jesus, hung on a tree to die, powerfully grounded their faith that God was with them, even in the suffering of the lynching era."

Community Lunch at the Sister Judith Ann Center for Benedictine Values

To finish out our June reading month, please join us for a community lunch to celebrate the Faith and Justice Reading Group at the Sister Judith Ann Heble Center on Wednesday, June 26th at 12pm CT. We hope to see you there!