This event on Saturday, August 24, at Carmichael Presbyterian Church in Carmichael, CA (CPC) 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 we as 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 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has made huge strides, as a matter of policy and intention, in its efforts to include LGBTQIA+ people in its life and leadership. So how are we doing? How is it going in congregations large and small — including yours–in welcoming and affirming people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations? The Covenant Network of Presbyterians has been working for justice and inclusion in the church since 1997. Executive Director Brian Ellison will share reflections on the state of inclusion, considering scenarios and examples of where congregations are succeeding and struggling. He’ll answer questions, offer resources, and update the group on how CNP can support your congregation in this new day.

Join Brian Ellison, executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, for a time of learning and discussing what it means to authentically and fully welcome all of God’s people. We’ll talk about the Presbyterian journey toward inclusion and acknowledge the considerable work left to do. We’ll offer practical steps for congregations and the presbytery to take so they can better embody and make known their welcome of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and dream together about ways to collaborate and offer mutual support in this work.

New Castle Presbytery’s Leadership Equipping Day on Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. will explore important topics for ministry in church congregations. This Zoom opportunity will include CNP Executive Director Brian Ellison’s workshop Building a Real Welcome for LGBTQIA+ People.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has made huge strides, as a matter of policy and intention, in its efforts to include LGBTQIA+ people in its life and leadership. So how are we doing? How is it going in congregations large and small — including yours–in welcoming and affirming people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and many of its congregations and councils – including the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey–have embraced a focus on Matthew 25, the radical call of Jesus in Scripture to a life of loving all God‘s people, most especially those who have traditionally been excluded, passed by, or left out.

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.