CHURCH CRISES LEAD TO NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR
Ypsilanti. Many faith communities across the country are still struggling with how to deal with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) issues, whether to allow membership, ordain, and bless unions, or whether to oppose equal rights, respect and recognition for LGBT people. Just this year, we've already seen the near splintering of the Episcopal church over the confirmation of a gay Bishop, Canada's realization of the legal and ethical imperative to recognize gay relationships, and the Supreme Court striking down unconstitutional sodomy laws, reflects Michael Gibson-Faith, MSW, Director of the Michigan office of The American Friends Service Committee LGBT Issues Program, the nonprofit organization producing the conference. There's never been a more pivotal time for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally people to engage their spirituality in the movement for equality and justice. Attendees will leave our ˜Together in Faith" conference with new information, tools and networks to help protect LGBT people from discrimination, defamation and violence.
On May 22, 2004, "Together in Faith" will bring together LGBT and Ally people of all ages, races, religions and spirituality's from around the country for skill-enhancing workshops led by nationally renowned activists. Presenters at the conference will include: former ghostwriter for Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, and author of "Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America", Rev. Dr. Mel White of Soulforce, Inc.; Raven Kaldera, Female to Male, shaman, a neo-pagan minister, an organic farmer and homesteader; Dr. Sylvia Rhue, Director of Equal Partners in Faith and co-producer of the documentary film about LGBT issues in communities of color, "All God's Children"; the founder of Al-Fatiha, an organization for LGBT Muslims, Faisal Alam; Macha NightMare, Priestess, Witch, and Elder in The Covenant of the Goddess; and Acharya Swami Durga Das, student of Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati for thirty years and a Senior Acharya of the Dattatreya Kali Saraswati Order of Monks and Sanyassin, among others. On Friday, May 21, 2004 there will be a kick off reception at the Ypsilanti First United Methodist Church at 7 pm with entertainment including local and national artists and musicians.
Attendees can register by March 2004 at a reduced rate of $75 that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a day full of educational speakers and workshops. Student and low-income rates are available. Visit www.togetherinfaith.com or call (734) 761-8283 ext.3 for more information, including how to sponsor or advertise at the conference.
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Together In Faith
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