Homosexuality & Scripture Conference: Gender, Identity & Sexuality, March 5 & 6
Scriptures have often been distorted to condemn LGBT persons, but increasingly faith communities are speaking out for justice, inclusion and affirmation of all persons. This conference reflects our faithful understandings of scripture and the Spirit as well as our desires to faithfully relate to one another.
Sponsored by:
Cathedral of Hope - OKC
Church of the Open Arms UCC
Epworth UMC
First Unitarian Church
Mayflower Congregational Church
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Clegg Memorial UMC
These six congregations have made a commitment to be welcoming and affirming of the GLBT community. In order to facilitate a continuing dialogue each of these sponsoring congregations is helping to organize this conference. The conference will include a discussion panel composed of ministers and scholars as well as workshops designed to explore the connections between homosexuality and sacred scripture. Though heavily focused on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, the conference welcomes other faith traditions and seeks to engage their understandings of homosexuality.
Friday evening, March 5, a panel of religious leaders and scholars will participate in a discussion on their respective understandings of homosexuality and the scriptures of their tradition. The audience at the panel will have an opportunity to submit questions to the panelists. Saturday, March 6, religious leaders, scholars and others will host a variety of workshops. Topics include:
Marriage: What is the Biblical Model?
Sexuality in the Hebrew Scriptures
Coming Out Young; Lesbians: Identity and Relationship Issues
Gay Men: Identity and Relationship Issues
Gender Queer - People Who Don’t Fit
Sexism and Homophobia; Jesus: Humanity and Divinity
Bisexuality
Clobber Passages: What does the New Testament Say about Homosexuality?
Location: Church of the Open Arms UCC, 3131 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, (405) 525-9555
Schedule: Friday 7pm-9 pm; Saturday 8:45 am-3:00 pm Cost $15, includes lunch.
For more Information: Rev. Kathy McCallie - 525-9555 or openarmsok@aol.com