William Barnwell - Lead Me On, Let Me Stand: A Clergyman's Story in White and Black

 Thursday, September 13th

5:30-7PM

Lead Me On, Let Me Stand: A Clergyman's Story in White and Black is a moving, passionate memoir of a life of ministry by a dedicated preacher striving to bring together things that tend to pull apart--the church and the world, women and men, old and young, straights and gays, works and faith, the Deep South and the Far North, blacks and whites. Raised the proud son of highly segregated Old Charleston, Barnwell became disillusioned and felt called to minister and work for social justice. After graduating from the seminary in 1970 he found himself working as a college chaplain in New Orleans where he engaged in all sorts of crusades--anti-war, civil rights, women's rights and prison reform. His marriage paid the price for his public commitments and he found himself a divorced, single dad, yet he carried on with his work, remaining dedicated to his children. Eventually remarrying, his ministry took him to Boston, Washington, D.C., and finally, again, to New Orleans where his work has continued to be a quest for the love described by philosopher-theologian Soren Kierkegaard, "Love is the unity of hostile elements." A humble, passionate crusader for social justice, Barnwell offers readers a unique look at the public and personal life of a dedicated man of faith and action.

“William Barnwell’s first book changed my life…. He is a shameless white, Southern liberal just like me. We are a small, but stubborn group and we are joined by the likes of Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Sister Helen Prejean. I think William Barnwell has lived a stirring, exemplary life—and he writes beautifully.” --Pat Conroy, New York Times bestselling author

William Barnwell is discussing and signing his book, Lead Me On, Let Me stand.

If you are unable to attend, you must call the book shop to order signed books.