In a press statement issued by URC director Terry McMoore, an immediate investigation was to be launched with the cooperation of several state agency’s, civic organizations and full media participation. Their hope was to get this multi-million dollar corporation shut down, or to at lest put CHAD under the microscope so as to prevent any more deaths at this facility.

McMoore said, “I have found the media reporting and news investigation to date both starling and very disturbing and I am sure you will to.” «Read the article at the Nashville Scene»

I’m not sure if I can adequately relate just how refreshing it was to read a book that so accurately portrays the struggle that young gay Christians endure. I’ve seen so many stories about young gay teens and adults that are all about the sex, drugs, and clubbing that is so often associated with the gay community.

To me, “refreshing,” is neither accurate nor appropriate to describe my feelings as I read through its pages. A far better word is “living.” This is a story about life, faith, and love in a way that is as crisp as it is timely.

From the book cover:

High-school senior Paul has dated Angie since middle school, and they’re good together: they have a lot of the same interests, like singing in their church choir, and being active in Bible club. But when a new boy, Manuel, transfers to their school, Paul has to rethink his life. Manuel is the first openly gay teen anyone in their small town has ever met, and yet he says he’s also a committed Christian. Talking to Manuel makes Paul reconsider thoughts he has kept hidden, and listening to Manuel’s interpretation of Biblical passages on homosexuality causes Paul to re-evaluate everything he believed. Manuel’s outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, culminating in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

“I wasn’t sure who was crazier, him or me. During prayers one night, I’d ask forgiveness for hanging out with Manuel, but the next day I’d thank Jesus for bringing him into my life. I couldn’t stop thinking about Manuel, and every time I stormed away from him, swearing never to return, five minutes later I wanted to come running back. How could I choose between my sexuality and my spirituality, two of the most important parts that made me whole?”

It’s rare that I can find myself relating to any young character in any book for teens, and not just because I’m in my thirties. But as I turned the pages I found a part of myself in the lead character, Paul. As a Christian, I wasn’t interested in sex. I wanted something real, a relationship that was meaningful. I thank God every single day for my partner, who still miraculously puts up with all of my shortcomings.

What makes this story so powerful is that it shows the compassionate heart behind evangelical and even fundamentalist Christianity. These are people that genuinely believe they’re working for our very souls, often not realizing just how hurtful their actions truly are. Even as I was angered by their actions, I felt compassion for them because they were just SO close to the truth.

When the characters begin to bond friendships and seek to form a gay-straight alliance, the adults in their otherwise-conservative town are reluctant to embrace it. The new club eventually brings out the best and worst of their classmates and neighbors.

Although most readers can find The God Box to be somewhat predictable, it’s only because of their own life experiences. Anyone who’s gone through the coming-out process can go back into their life and see some of their own story in these pages. The joys, the frustrations, and the tragedies; we all know them too well. Sanchez knows them well too, as he writes from a distinctly gay and Latino perspective.

I’ve read plenty of stories of how young gay and lesbian people eventually come to terms with both their faith and their sexuality. The beauty of fiction is that all of those elements can be wrapped together into one package, and can become a story for all of us.

The God Box is recommended for young adults, teens, and anyone who works with youth.

On the Web: The God Box by Alex Sanchez

Read an excerpt from the book here.

Nashville’s NewsChannel 5 Reported the Following:

A third agency is expected to join state and local agencies investigating a treatment center for troubled youth.

At least two children have died while in the care of the Chad Youth Enhancement Center, with the latest happening this past weekend.

Two more families now admit that they pulled their youngsters out, fearing for their safety.

The mothers said that their children have problems and that they welcome help in disciplining them.

But they claim the center operates more like a prison.

“I took her out,” said parent Norma Davis.

Davis pulled her daughter from the center.

“That’s it, we’re signing him out,” said another parent Edith Ruland.

Their accusation is that the center’s staff is abusive.

“All of a sudden, I just remember going down to the ground. And I guess when I raised my head up she slammed it back down, and my mouth was pouring blood,” said Davis’ daughter, Atlanta Redman, who once stayed at the center.

According to Davis, the staff calls the maneuver a “safety hold” to restrain an out-of-control child.

Davis calls it criminal… – Visit NewsChannel5 to read the rest of this article, and for Photos and Video