This event on Saturday, Saturday, March 1, at Chapel in the Pines in Chapel Hill, NC will offer biblical and theological foundations and practical help for anyone trying to improve their own and the church’s full embrace of LGBTQIA+ people. We’ll consider how Presbyterians have historically thought about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, and how we have changed and acted in recent years. We’ll dig into the Bible and theology, and see ways we may need to dig deeper in how we think and speak about diverse identities. And we’ll work together to identify particular acts of hospitality, creativity, and witness, where we can use words and deeds to strengthen our congregations and our common life for all people.
The day’s event will be led led by CNP Executive Director Brian Ellison. Registration ($10) includes morning refreshments and lunch. Here’s the day’s agenda:
9:00 am Coffee / Registration opens
9:30 Part 1: Foundations: Understanding LGBTQIA+ and the history of LGBTQIA+ and the Presbyterian Church
10:30 Break
10:45 Part 2: Building the Structure: A theology of welcome in our scriptures and our faith
12:00pm Box Lunch / Conversation
12:45 Part 3: Opening the Doors: Practical actions for congregations to authentically welcome all. Questions and Conversation
2:00 p.m. Go in peace
You’re invited! The $10 registration fee will be waived for students and anyone who can’t afford it. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors. You don’t have to be Presbyterian to attend!
Brian Ellison (he/him)
Brian Ellison has served as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians since 2012, preaching, teaching and providing overall strategic leadership in implementing the organization’s mission. Brian is available for working with congregations, councils and groups of interested Presbyterians about inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people, fostering and navigating difficult conversations, organizing and advocating for transformation, and on the Covenant Network and its mission. Contact the office for more information. Brian also serves as Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America and as a host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. His writing on matters of faith and theology has appeared in numerous church and independent publications. A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.
