"Raised as a conservative Christian, minister and author Carol Howard Merritt discovered that the traditional institutions she grew up in inflicted great pain and suffering on others. Though she loved the spirituality the church provided, she knew that, because of sexism, homophobia, and manipulative religious politics, established religious institutions weren't always holy or safe. Instead of offering refuge, these institutions have betrayed people's hearts and souls ... [This book] addresses the church's dichotomous image-- as a safe space and as a dangerous place-- and provides a way to restore personal faith and connection to God for those who have been hurt or betrayed by established institutions of faith"--