Photo of John Weiser from his website
Author of the best-selling books, “Grasp the Nettle” and “A Thousand Kisses,” John W. Weiser is an extraordinary author, leader, and legal expert. Weiser is revered as a champion in interfaith dialogues and legal practice. As a pioneer in bringing together people from different religions, he has devoted his life to promoting mutual understanding and collaboration among diverse communities.
About His Career
Today’s featured author, John W. Weiser, is a Chairman of the Senior Advisory Council of the United Religion Initiative (URI). URI is the world’s largest grassroots interfaith organization. Back in the day, he served as a Chairman of the Board of the Graduate Theological Union. It was a partnership of nine seminaries of different religions and sects.
About His Education
John Weiser graduated from Harvard Law School. He served as the General Counsel of Bechtel Group, Inc., an international engineering construction firm. A period earlier than that, Weiser was a partner member of the management committee of Shearman & Sterling, a major Wall Street law firm.
About His Personal Life
John Weiser had nine children from his late wife, Maria. Sadly, one of his kids with Maria died as a toddler. But life went on, and they were blessed with eleven grandchildren. After the passing of his wife, he married Susan Cony, with whom he has ignited a newfound love.
His Works
His career and religious affiliations play an influential role in his works. Both his books inspire purposeful actions and resilience, imparting profound lessons that spark transformative journeys in life through skillfully crafted narratives drawn from real people and real events. One is an homage to an inspirational religious leader, and the other is a personal memoir of his family.
Mockups of John Weiser’s book from his order site
Grasp the Nettle: Appreciating the Bold Life of Bishop William E. Swing
Published recently, “Grasp the Nettle” by John Weiser celebrates the inspirational achievements of Bishop William Swing. This compelling work accounts the fearless and faith-driven approach to tackling challenges of Bishop Swing.
Grasp the Nettle is a chronicle of Bishop Swing’s challenging tasks that he had undertaken with courage and deep faith. In the book, we’re given a glimpse into the bishop’s problem-solving methods. His approach to resolving challenges is rooted in a profound faith in God. John Weiser did a wonderful job in vividly elaborating Bishop Swing’s achievements.
Championing LGBT Inclusion
When he was elected as the Bishop of California in 1979, Swing prioritized outreach to the LGBT community, starting with the “Parsonage on Pentecost” initiative. The initial motive of the movement was to promote mutual support among ministers in the Castro neighborhood. But over time, Bishop Swing experienced a transformative realization that LGBT individuals experience rejection from their own Christian families, which forced them to relocate.
This failure of the Christian community to welcome LGBT individuals prompted him to advocate for dignity and equality by initiating the ordination of LGBT clergy. Bishop Swing’s bold movement challenged traditional barriers within the Episcopal Church.
Leadership During the AIDS Crisis
During the AIDS epidemic that affected most of California’s LGBT community, Bishop Swing’s ministry evolved into the Episcopal Sanctuary. This transformation reinforced his commitment to human dignity by supporting affected LGBT congregants. Soon, it expanded into community service and served on the board of the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
These are just a few of the myriad compassionate actions Bishop Swing took to address the profound losses and systemic inequalities among the church community.
Moreover, “Grasp the Nettle” is not just a biography of Bishop William E. Swing, but also an invitation to embrace a life of bold faith and purposeful action. This literary masterpiece of Weiser is a tangible keepsake that inspires resilience and positive transformation through lessons centered around courage and conviction. You can get a copy online right away.
A Thousand Kisses: A Family’s Escape from the Nazis to a New Life
Imagine living during the time of Nazi reign, and you belong to a bloodline of Jews. “A Thousand Kisses” is an intimate and harrowing memoir of love, escape, and redemption. In this book, Weiser chronicles his family’s life and flight from Nazi Vienna to Hungary to Brazil and to the U.S.
Like many who have read this book, you will be glued to a narrative that vividly recreates the palpable tension of multiple escapes. “A Thousand Kisses” ponders intrigue into a family’s courage and determination to stay together.
What are the dangers of remaining silent while a government tightens immigration laws and promotes racial scapegoating? Let’s unravel the story by getting a copy online.
For an elaborate sneak-peak into the book, heed the intriguing interview with John Weiser himself.
