<p><img alt= src=/sites/default/files/images/James%20and%20Evelyn%20Whitehead.png style=float:right; height:199px; width:300px />Evelyn Eaton Whitehead is a developmental psychologist (Ph.D. University of Chicago) whose work focuses on spiritual development in adult life. James D. Whitehead is a theologian (Ph.D. Harvard University) who studies the interplay of religion and culture. In their shared career spanning forty-five years and fifteen books the Whiteheads continue to explore the vital themes emerging in contemporary Christian spirituality.</p> <p>Evelyn and James have long been associated with the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago. They have as Whitehead Associates given educational seminars throughout the United States and Canada. They have lectured in Australia New Zealand and Ireland and taught yearly for more than a decade in Hong Kong and at Fudan University in Shanghai.</p> <p>Their most recent book <em>Fruitful Embraces: Sexuality Love and Justice</em> (available at <a href=http://www.amazon.com/Fruitful-Embraces-Sexuality-Love-Justice/dp/1491744154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=undefined&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=fruitful+embraces>Amazon</a> in October 2014) traces the vital links between human sexuality and Christian spirituality. Themes in this book range from relationships (friendship vulnerability self-care) to sexuality and justice (clergy sexual abuse marriage equality) and sexual diversity (including three chapters on transgender lives).</p> <p>Endorsements for the book include:</p> <blockquote> <p>The Whiteheads have long been the premier couple writing on the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Fruitful Embraces adds justice to the mix for a potent medicine that moves the heart stirs the imagination and challenges the conscience. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in current issues of sexuality gender and love. <strong>Michael Leach Publisher Emeritus </strong><strong>Orbis Books</strong></p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p>The authors dare to speak about situations faced in today&rsquo;s world with both challenge and compassion. Their words will ring true because they are so clearly based on experience and respect. <strong>Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director DignityUSA</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>The Whiteheads are masters at applying ancient Catholic wisdom to challenging contemporary issues. Refreshing and inspiring. Timothy O&rsquo;Connell Professor of Ethics Loyola University Chicago</p> <p>Their previous two books <a href=http://www.orbisbooks.com/holy-eros.html><em>Holy Eros: Pathways to a Passionate God</em></a> and <a href=http://www.orbisbooks.com/nourishing-the-spirit.html><em>Nourishing the Spirit</em></a> both from Orbis Books have won awards from the US Catholic Press Association. &nbsp;</p>