In 'A Time to Embrace' Johnson presents an analysis of the religious, legal and political stakes in the debates over gay marriage, civil unions, and the place of committed gay couples in a democratic society. The book begins by laying out the church's seven different responses, from outright prohibition to full ecclesial consecration, testing the arguments of each along the way. Johnson then focuses on gay rights in recent court battles, detailing the arguments made from both liberty and equality. Finally, he assesses the different types of gay marriage and civil union arrangements and suggests how deliberative democracy can create a society in which all citizens can rely on principles of equality and liberty.

pt. 1.1. 2. 3. pt. 2. 4. 5. Acknowledgments -- Introduction : Why this issue, and why now? -- Religion -- The non-affirming church -- Toward a welcoming, affirming church -- Becoming family : the consecration of same-gender love -- Law and politics -- Freedom and equality under the law -- Toward a welcoming democracy: marriage equality in the civil polity -- Conclusion. The non-affirming church — Toward a welcoming, affirming church — Becoming family: the consecration of same-gender love — Freedom and equality under the law — Toward a welcoming democracy: marriage equality in the civil polity.