This event offers biblical and theological foundation and practical help in ensuring the church’s full embrace of LGBTQIA+ people. We’ll consider how we as Presbyterians have historically thought about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, and how we have changed. And we’ll consider particular acts of hospitality we can take with our words and deeds to strengthen our congregations and our common life for all people.

Schedule

10:30 a.m. to 12 noon

– The history of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church

– Some basic understandings around sexual orientation and gender identity

– What is at stake: A theology of welcome, including the biblical and ethical conversations around sexuality

Lunch from 12 to 1

Discussion around tables of people’s understandings of their own church’s inclusivity with time to take a break.

1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

– Reflecting on table conversations

– Practical steps toward welcome (including pronouns, language in worship, facilities issues, how we show hospitality, promotions/marketing around inclusion, community engagement)

– The Covenant Network of Presbyterians – our work and how congregations and individuals can engage with it