Setting a Welcome Table - Panel Discussion
At Covenant Conversation: South Carolina, a panel discussion featured voices who have experienced and observed the full range of the church’s support for LGBTQIA+ people — or the hurt that it can sometimes cause. From intersectional realities faced by queer people of color, to the specific needs of parents of queer kids, to practical ways congregations have navigated difficult conversations and communicated their welcome, the panel drew out helpful questions and offer meaningful answers. Moderated by the Rev. Brian Ellison, this panel discussion with Cynthia Gordon, Ken Feaster-Eytchison and Nick Carson provided a foundation for our day together.
Cynthia Gordon (they/them) serves as the Director of Training at Affirm SC’s Queer Wellness Center and practices as a therapist and clinical supervisor at Amaryllis Counseling. They hold degrees in Psychology from Winthrop University and Social Work from the University of South Carolina. As an LGBTQ+ advocate and community member, Cynthia is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of purposely marginalized groups, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Their diverse background spans child welfare, advocacy, hospital systems, court systems, nonprofit work, and community engagement. Through humor and engaging dialogue, Cynthia focuses on empowering under-resourced communities and improving access to resources.
Nick Carson (he/they) serves on the Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. Previously, he served as Resident Pastor at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally from Laurel, Maryland, Nick is a graduate of North Carolina State University and Columbia Theological Seminary. A creative at heart, he is passionate about engaging ministry with creativity and joy. In his free time, Nick enjoys trail running, practicing yoga, watching reality TV, learning to quilt, doing the daily crossword, playing with his dog Hazel, and reading in coffee shops.
Ken Feaster-Eytchison (he/they), who holds specialized certifications from both Cornell University and the University of Pittsburgh in diversity and inclusion, has dedicated 35 years to creating inclusive workplaces at Micron Technology. As Global Talent Innovation Program Manager, he transformed the company’s employee resource groups from a small initiative into a thriving program with 14,000 members across 79 global chapters. Beyond his corporate work, he serves as Director of Pee Dee Equality while consulting with organizations nationwide on building stronger diversity programs.
The Rev. Brian Ellison (he/him) 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 also serves as Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery, and as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission and the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment. He and his partner Troy Lillebo live in Kansas City, Mo., with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.