The mission of the annual Opening Our Doors, Opening Our Hearts Conference is to assist communities of faith in welcoming and accepting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and their families.
OPENING OUR DOORS, OPENING OUR HEARTS APR
16-17
An event for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities,
their allies, and faith communities.
Friday: First United Methodist Church 727-5021
Saturday: Marshall School Fregeau Auditorium
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mel White,is the author of several books, including Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and
Christian in America.
Mel is
also the founder of the Soulforce movement, which is modeled on seeking
equality by following the non-violent ways of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
and for which Mel was awarded the ACLU's National Civil Liberties Award. Prior
to coming out, Mel was a ghost writer for conservative evangelicals Jerry
Falwell, Pat Robertson, and others.
Organizers are encouraging congregations to read Stranger at the Gate in
advance of the conference, in particular Northern Lights Books and Gifts is
keeping this book in stock and they have been a great supporter of OOD/OOH.
The
conclusion of this year's conference will include a performance of the musical
Joshua and the Promised Land, scripted by Hiram Titus, at Peace UCC.
If you are
interested in registering online or need more information about the
schedule of activities for this exciting conference, please go to http://www.peaceucc.org/opening2010/index.htm
"Empowered by Christ's love, Gloria Dei reaches out as an inclusive, welcoming church through worship and social action."