Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest by Ted Karpf Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

One man’s journey to accepting himself and facing the world as not only a gay man, but a gay priest as well, comes to life in author Ted Karpf’s book, “Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest”.

The Synopsis

In 1980s America, coming out as gay as a father and husband was a significant journey for anyone to make. Coming out as gay as a priest guaranteed immersion into controversy, contradiction, and challenge. This book tells of the Reverend Canon Ted Karpf’s navigation of new social and romantic journeys, all within the context of his priestly vocation in the Episcopal Church. Covering from 1968 to 2018, Karpf recounts his vivid memories, life-changing dreams and resonant reflections on living a life of faith in a socially and politically tumultuous period. His narratives are crafted as poetic meditations on enduring values and meaning, which can remind any reader that we are neither abandoned nor alone, and that forgiveness is a fulfilling way of living in a world of contradictions.

The Review

A heartbreaking and honest journey takes form in this one of a kind read. The author relays the difficult journey of coming to terms with the abuse suffered as a child, the painful process of accepting who he truly is while married to a woman with two children and finding clarity for his religious beliefs in relation to his own personality and sexual identity.

What stands out to me as a reader is a journey the author takes to accept himself. Personally, as someone who isn’t religious, it was fascinating to see the author’s path to acceptance and finding his place in the world throughout his life. What also stands out is how religion is not as cut and dry as most think it to be. There are so many different paths and avenues of thought in that regard, and there is a place for those who choose to believe in a higher power. You just have to be willing to look and find it for yourself. As someone who isn’t religious, it was refreshing to see the way believers could still integrate acceptance and love for the LGBTQ community.

The Verdict

A brilliant, heartfelt and emotional read, the author has crafted a unique journey for the reader to follow. From finding forgiveness for an absent parent to the hardship of a gay relationship after accepting oneself and more, this book is an honest read that people need to read. A one of a kind book, be sure to grab your copy of “Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest” by Ted Karpf today!

Rating: 10/10

Print Length: 233 Pages

Genre: Memoir

Publisher: Toplight Books

ASIN: B081Y8LHZN

ISBN-10: 1476679592

ISBN-13: 9781476679594

Acts of Forgiveness is now available to purchase on Amazon.com, Target.com, and Barnes and Noble.

Praise for the book Acts of Forgiveness:

“Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest is a beautiful work reminding again that there is no future without forgiveness; there is no faith without love. This book animates these truths through a poetic documentary legacy.” – Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus Anglican Church of Southern Africa

“In the tradition of the rabbis, Father Ted Karpf calls upon both his heritage and experience to bring the reader into a place of sensitivity and compassion. We literally “suffer with” in order to achieve healing and activate a more hopeful future; not because of the suffering, but in spite of it.” – Joel Thorp Katz, MD, MACP

“Karpf has written a difficult and important book, a social justice memoir that challenges secular readers with its religious language, abusers with its painful analysis, and activists with its stories of good deeds punished. He also conducts a rigorous accounting of his own shortcomings, what in Jewish tradition is called a cheshbon hanefesh. In so doing, this Methodist-turned-Episcopal-priest models the very trans-religious values he holds so dear, and honors the memory of his Jewish grandfather in the process.” – David I. Schulman, Supervising Attorney, AIDS Descrimination Unit, Los Angeles City Attorneys Office

About the Author, Ted Karpf

Ted Karpf is a priest, public servant, international diplomat, journalist, university administrator and educator. He was educated in New York, Texas and Massachusetts. A gay man, Ted is a father and grandfather. He has been and remains a man who reflects the times in which he has lived while offering a hopeful vision for the future. Ted watches clouds and tests the winds and prays while residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

You can find Ted at his website https://www.tedkarpf.com/

— Blog Tour Dates

March 9th @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Stop by the blog today and read an interview with author Ted Karpf. You can also win a copy of his book Acts of Forgiveness.

March 10th @ God vs. The Patriarchy

Stop by Annie’s blog and read her review of Ted Karpf’s book Acts of Forgiveness.

http://www.godvsthepatriarchy.com
March 11th @ Reading Whale

Stop by Caitlin’s blog today and you can read her review of Ted Karpf’s memoir Acts of Forgiveness. Enter to win a copy of the book as well!

https://readingwhale.com/

March 15th @ Coffee with Lacey

Visit Lacey’s blog and catch her review of Ted Karpf’s memoir Acts of Forgiveness.

https://coffeewithlacey.com/

March 17th @ Bookwoman Joan

Visit Joan’s blog today and you can read her review of Ted Karpf’s memoir Acts of Forgiveness.

http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

March 19th @ The Frugalista Mom