Homosexuality, Christianity and the Church

– the conflicts resolved

WHEN: Saturday 22 August 2009

TIME: 10 am to 4.30pm

WHERE: Victorian Aids Council Building

6 Claremont St, South Yarra

(Entrance at side of building)

Melways 2L J5

Register on line http://www.eventbrite.com/event/321489584

History tells us that the Christian church has not always expressed the unconditional love of God it was called to demonstrate. In many cases it has been the last to understand all human beings should be treated equally. It was often Christians, using selective passages of scripture, who opposed the abolition of slavery, equal rights for people of colour, two people from different races being allowed to marry and equality for women. This is not a good record.

For some decades now, the church globally has been grappling with the issue of homosexuality, welcoming GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) people into congregations, understanding their relationships and allowing them to use their gifts in leadership roles. Some are just beginning the journey.

This seminar is designed to assist GLBT people from Christian backgrounds come to a place of resolution. It is also a valuable investment for our families and heterosexual friends who seek to create more understanding and acceptance.

All are welcome. (This is a gay affirming event and we reserve the right to refuse registration to people whose intention is to be disruptive)

PROGRAM:

1. Homosexuality and the Church – Why we got it SO wrong.

Nine reasons why Christ loving Christians have been in error about sexual orientation. It’s obvious once you look at it logically. The enemy is ignorance.

2. The specific issues faced by GLBT people from faith backgrounds and how to resolve them.

GLBT people from faith and religious backgrounds experience the usual issues of resolution, coming out, finding their place in the community and learning what it means to be gay or lesbian in a predominately straight world. However they often experience these things with greater intensity and have additional issues to deal with.

3. Sodom, Leviticus, Romans 1 and I Corinthians 6:9. What are they really saying?

Often referred to as the ‘clobber passages’, only six passages in the Bible speak about same-sex activity and it has been assumed that they are speaking about a homosexual orientation. When looked at in the light of the historical and cultural contexts and the original languages however we get a very different picture.

4. The times they are a changin’

There is a new climate of questioning in many Pentecostal and Evangelical circles. You’ll be encouraged and amazed where, to what extent and the pace this is happening. Creating a Space for Change is a model that is facilitating this process. How to move people from hatred of same-sex-oriented people to a place of acceptance and advocacy.

5. Question time

Morning and afternoon tea supplied.

There are a number of options close by to purchase lunch or bring your own.

Further inquiries email [email protected]

Call Linda on 0410 561 431 or James on 0439 323 796

Places limited so don’t miss out .Register NOW on line http://www.eventbrite.com/event/321489584

Presenter:

Anthony Venn-Brown was a leader in the Assemblies of God and a popular preacher in the mega-churches of Australia. After 22 years of counselling, exorcisms, 40 day fasts, ‘ex-gay’ programs and marriage he was forced to face reality. Nothing had changed: he was still gay. After his public confession and resignation from the ministry he struggled to come to terms with the loss of his friends, faith and purpose.

Anthony is now a dedicated ambassador for the GLBT community, promoting respectful dialogues, educating people about sexuality and assisting others to resolve the perceived conflict between their faith and their sexuality. His award winning autobiography ‘A Life of Unlearning’ is now in its second print and he has appeared on national TV programs such as 60 minutes, Sunrise and Kerri Anne. Anthony is also the co-founder and Convenor of Freedom 2 b[e] and in 2007 was voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians.