7.30pm
Friday, June 3rd 2011
ACON Building (at the new address below)
414 Elizabeth Street
Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
Rev Dr Rowland Croucher – straight Baptist pastor, counsellor, author, blogger – tells how he moved from being an ‘ignorant and fairly mild homophobe’ towards becoming an affirming friend of the LGBT community.
Each year Freedom 2 b[e] recognises the important contribution of our straight friends and allies with an award. In 2008 this award was presented to the Rev Mike Hercock and the 100 Revs and in 2009 the award was presented… to Pastor Rob Buckingham and Bayside church in Melbourne.
Rev Croucher was announced the winner of the 2010 Freedom 2 b[e] 2010 Award in recognition of your contribution in creating greater understanding and acceptance of LGBT people in Australia’s Christian Churches at our five year anniversary dinner..
Rev Dr Rowland Croucher is a highly respected Christian Leader. He is well known for many things including pastoring the largest Baptist Church in Australia, working for World Vision and currently his website John Mark Ministries.
John Mark Ministries is most accessed non-denominational religious website in Australia as well as one of the top 1000 Christian and Baptist websites in the world.
Rowland began his journey of gaining new understandings of LGBT people after counselling many who came to him to talk through their issues – often younger people sent by their parents and/or pastors – and after his connections with Freedom 2 b[e] offered to become our Chaplain.
Through articles on his website and postings on his facebook he has been able to reach 1,000’s of people with information, new perspectives and raising important questions about LGBT issues and our community. His willingness to speak in support and requesting change in beliefs and attitudes has not come without its cost.
When heterosexual Christians stand with the LGBT community they often experience hostility, vilification, judgment and personal attack. By standing with us they experience something that is an everyday experience for many gay and lesbian people both here in Australia and many parts of the world. This is often more so for those in leadership positions.
We welcome Rowland to our monthly chapter meeting to give us greater insight into his personal journey. An opportunity for questions is available at the end of Rowland’s presentation.
Don’t miss this one off event
PLEASE NOTE MAP AND TRANSPORT DETAILS OF THE NEW VENUE AT THIS LINK:
http://www.acon.org.au/about-acon/Newsroom/Articles/acon-on-the-move
After our formal meeting you are welcome to join us for a drink or dinner at a nearby hotel. STAY AS LITTLE OR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE. Always interesting conversation with quality people.
GUESTS WELCOME
If you want further details then email [email protected] or phone 0416 015 231
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