Matthew McAvoy's surprising nomination to lead his Christian denomination is, at first, exhilarating - the apex of a career in ministry, education, and leadership. But that joy is undercut when a member of the church calls attention to Matthew's support for persons who are gay or lesbian. What follows is an eight-month ordeal, challenging Matthew and providing a new awareness of what the gospel demands. When the opposition becomes a threat, the story takes a sinister turn that involves not only Matthew but his whole family–and raises even more questions about the meaning of leadership in our age. Inspired by the author's own story, The Nominee shows that places we think are refuges can be the most dangerous. Set in 1991 against the backdrop of America's intensifying culture wars, The Nominee draws inspiration from the author's own experience of being nominated to serve as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a nomination that was vigorously opposed by the denomination's conservative wing. Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, one of the most prominent and influential ecumenical leaders and theological educators of our time, was the ninth General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. After a 40-year career in the field of theology, Kinnamon has turned to writing fiction. The Nominee is his second novel. He and his wife, Mardine Davis, live in San Diego.
