Curious Christian

9 responses to “GLBT conversations in Christian Ministry”

1. 

   Andrew Park

   2010-01-27

   Judging from the info in the advert linked to, this will be a very worthwhile conference to attend.
   Some very good speakers on the general topic.
   A good developement growing out of years of mission with the GLC and upon the 100 Revs stuff of which I was a supporter.
   I like Hopestreet’s courage in tackling these sorts of issues honestly and intelligently.

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2. 

   Jarred

   2010-01-28

   It sounds like a very interesting conference. Some of the questions and discussion topics listed in the image definitely deserve a lot of time. I hope a lot of good comes out of it.
   On the flip side, however, I have the same nagging questions about this conference that I do about most such discussions within Christian circles. Will all this business of talking ABOUT GLBT people eventually lead to the business of actually talking WITH GLBT people?
   Of course, I also understand that in many cases, there’s a lot of work left to be done in convincing some Christians that such conversations are necessary, let alone worthwhile. I’m blessed to have had wonderful conversations with both Misty Irons (http://moremusingson.blogspot.com/ ) and Wendy Gritter (http://btgproject.blogspot.com/ ), two women who are dedicated to engaging GLBT people in conversation and encouraging their fellow Christians to do likewise. But I do notice that they spend a lot of their time convincing other Christians of the importance of dialogue and how to go about dialogue rather than actual dialogue. It gets frustrating after a while.
   Of course, I note that one of the topics for this particular conference is actually talking about what GLBT people experience. Would it be possible to hope that those in attendance might be hearing about those experiences from primary sources — that is, GLBT people themselves? If so, that would be awesome.

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3. 

   Matt Stone

   2010-01-28

   Andrew, the friend who notified me of this was also connected to 100 Revs.

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4. 

   Matt Stone

   2010-01-28

   Jarred, given that I’ve been told this conference is more a peer to peer thing, I would not necessarily expect direct GLBT participation. Then again, from what I read of the 100 Revs statement last year, it seems the conversation is broad and rough edged enough that I wouldn’t rule it out either. What I can say with a bit more knowledge is, I know at least some of the groups involved do have high levels of connection with the GLBT community, so I would expect some hard questions to be asked.
   As for having to spend considerable time convincing other Christians that conversations with GLBT people are necessary, well, surely you’ve seen by now that we missional types have to invest considerable time convincing our wider family to have mutual conversations with ANYONE. Christendom has unfortunately created audiences rather than disciples and detoxes can be painful.

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5. 

   Kalessin

   2010-01-28

   RE: Jarred and Matt’s respective remarks:
   > Would it be possible to hope that those in attendance might be hearing about those experiences from primary sources — that is, GLBT people themselves? …
   > I would not necessarily expect direct GLBT participation…
   Not sure whether Jared is located in Australia, but Matt, you’ll probably recognize two high-profile GLBTs in the list of speakers and facilitators.

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6. 

   Matt Stone

   2010-01-28

   Michael Kirby I got once I looked closer. Anthony Venn­Brown took a bit of digging as I’m not familiar with him.

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7. 

   Zac Turner

   2010-01-29

   Hi,
   I’m convening the forum. To answer a couple of questions, yes, there will be LGBT participation both in the story time and throughout the forum as a percentage of the participants are from this community. We are also having the Forum in the Darlinghurst/Surry Hills community on the weekend of Mardi Gras to try and connect with the community in between sessions in lunch breaks. Finally, there will be a contingent of ppl who participated in 100 Revs in 08 and who will be marching this year as well so hopefully that should keep questions and conversations interesting.
   Our hope in our small community is to help facilitate safe spaces where people can have ‘a different conversation’ about whatever is on their mind, though this
   forum will focus on looking at sexual identity with a focus on the GLBT
   community.
   The forum is aimed at Pastors, Christian workers, by bringing a group
   of church leaders together it is hoped ideas will be developed and discussed
   that can cause change in how we interact with the concept of sexuality.
   Focus will be on the pastoral issues of suicide and sexual brokenness in our
   fellowships and communities. Our vision is to see the church at the
   forefront of bringing the message of inclusiveness, grace and truth to all
   those who find themselves marginalized as a result of their sexual identity.
   The forum is constructed to create a space where dialogue can take place
   between accurate biblical truths, scientific research and a Christ centered
   compassionate response for those who find themselves in an alternative
   sexual identity and specifically the LGBT communities. We realize that we are approaching a topic of
   large debate but our goal is to create further healthy dialogue and
   discussion and not division. Rather than being on the defensive we would
   like to see a church that is a Jesus representation to the sexually excluded
   that creates a community focused on values, integrity and acceptance. Our
   hope is that there would be a growth in our understanding, an increase in
   our compassion and most importantly action in our communities as a result of
   the practical application of the ideas discussed in the forum.
   Below is the Forum flyer and attachment, if you would like to be
   involved in this forum tackling suicide and sexual brokenness then
   please email myself at zach@imagine.org.au, though as it is aimed at Christian leaders there are only 40 other places so get in quick.
   http://adc.imagine.org.au
   Peace,
   Zac Turner

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8. 

   Andrew Park

   2010-01-29

   Very much needed Zac. And though I can’t be there at the conference, am 100% supporter of what you are aiming for and doing. Need lots more of it.

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9. 

   Matt Stone

   2010-01-29

   Thanks for fleshing that out Zac. There is certainly a need for safe space beyond entrenched polar views.

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