McNeill, John J.

John J. McNeill, born 1925, served in the Army during World War II, spending six months in a German prisoner of war camp. He became a Jesuit in 1948. His early work as a teacher and writer focused on Maurice Blondel's philosophy. In 1976, with the publication of his book The Church and the homosexual, McNeill was silenced by the Vatican and forbidden to speak on homosexuality. Breaking his silence, he was dismissed from the Jesuits in 1987. His subsequent career as a teacher, scholar, writer, lecturer, and psychotherapist has been seminal in promoting gay and lesbian rights and acceptance in both the Catholic Church and wider American community.

From the description of John J. McNeill and Charles Chiarelli gay and lesbian liberation collection, 1925-2001. (Graduate Theological Union). WorldCat record id: 52526621