Baptist
Network
27 October 2007 Joint Annual Day Conference
'The
Challenge of Coming In:
Unity in
Open Diversity'
(details
below)
Evangelical
Fellowship for Lesbian & Gay Christians
19-21
October 2007 EF Autumn
Conference
Prayer and Sexuality
Speaker:
Martin Kelly
1-4
May 2008 European Forum
of Lesbian and Gay Christians
Contacts: John 01245 252214
Pam 01925 851187
EFLGC
Regional Network Contacts
EF
Scotland:
John or Andrew (01506 499926) or Kate
(01506 880780)
EF North: James (0161 226
3851) or Ron (01204 469237)
EF
South West: Colin on
01404 812713
EF
Midlands:
Jenny or Kay (01922
691429)
EF
South East: John
(01245 252214) or Mike (020 8245 1865)
Courage
Discipleship
Group Events(London)
Friday
September 7th
Friday
October 5th
Contact: Jeremy Marks 01483 301411
PO
Box 748, Guildford
GU1 2ZY
www.courage.org.uk
|
Reformed Churches Caucus
of the Lesbian and Gay
Christian Movement
|
Network of Baptists Affirming
Lesbian & Gay Christians
|
Invite you to
our
JOINT
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007
Saturday
27 October 2007
10.00 am -
5.00 pm
THE
CHALLENGE OF COMING IN
Unity in
OPEN Diversity
at
City
United Reformed Church
Windsor
Place
Cardiff
CF10 3BZ
The conference is open to
all regardless of sexual orientation or faith background, who are interested in
exploring issues of inclusive, open and affirming church life and deepening
their own spiritual journey in issues of human sexuality and spirituality.
THE CHALLENGE OF COMING IN
Recent legislative changes in both social equality
for lesbian and gay people and the legal status of same sex couples have
re-opened issues that many churches would rather not have to discuss as
official policy since such discussions reveal a huge divergence of seemingly
irreconcilable views at all levels.
The concept of Unity in Open Diversity is emerging as
a possible way forward. Unlike Anglican
and Roman Catholic traditions where policy is handed down from the top, this
provides an opportunity to inform, engage and educate at grass roots level and
engender real, meaningful transformation where it matters - among our fellow
members.
Many of us as lesbian and gay Christians have chosen
to stay in our churches often closeted or tentatively, vulnerably
"out" or "almost out" in the hope of witnessing and helping
to effect more widespread change.
The call to dialogue in the decisions of the URC
General Assembly in July 2007 and the process of education and information
promoted by the Baptist Union Council represent opportunities not only to the
established churches, but also to lesbian and gay Christians. If we want to see real progress can we afford
to remain invisible or un-engaged?
Telling our stories could contribute to real dialogue and an opening of
minds and hearts rather than risk an uninformed discussion based on stereotype
and theoretical fixed positions.
You are invited to hear and discuss with speakers
from the Baptist and Reformed churches:
·
What are the different positions
of the church leaderships in seeking dialogue and understanding on the issues
of Human sexuality?
·
Are we, as lesbian and gay
Christians ready to face the risk of sharing our authentic spiritual journeys
in a more mainstream environment?
·
Dialogue with those who hold
opposite views can be painful: what
support mechanisms do we need to equip us for the journey?
·
What can we offer to the
development of the theology of sexuality?
CITY URC
launched its inclusive, open and affirming policy in 2003. The dialogue has been challenging at times,
but last year it hosted two blessings of civil partnerships. It has many LGBT Christians in its
congregation and has chosen openly gay and lesbian members as elders since
2002.
Conference Arrangements
If
you are travelling from afar, members of City Church are prepared to offer
overnight hospitality for October on a first come, first served basis. Depending on numbers and sufficient interest,
we also hope to have an informal pre-conference Friday evening together.
&
on the conference day
Please
your own packed lunch (but note that Sainsbury and Marks & Spencers are
both within easy walking distance). Tea
and coffee will be provided.
We
will welcome you from 9.30 am, starting promptly at 10 and finishing at around
5.30 pm. The day will begin and end with
worship (including Holy Communion at the end) and will include brief, separate
annual general meetings. Further
information from the Network at the address overleaf.
(Further details, directions & the programme will
be sent to you with booking confirmation)
Please return the slip below
straight away if possible, but in any event before 30 September 2007:
To: Martin Stears
22 Eynsford Court, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9JS
Please reserve
me place(s) at the joint annual
conference on 27 October 2007
[ ] I/we
enclose the booking fee of £10.00 per delegate (cheques payable to “Baptist
Network affirming Lesbian and Gay Christians”)
[ ] I/we
would like to take up the offer of overnight hospitality for Friday 26th
[ ] I/we
would be interested in meeting together informally on the evening of Friday
26th
Names of
delegates:
Address for
correspondence:
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