Public Conversations Project
offers workshops to
train facilitators for constructive conversations on sexual orientation
and the Christian faith. Lisa Larges, Regional Partnership Coordinator of
That All May Freely Serve, recommends this group's work "in creating deep,
challenging, and constructive conversations in the midst of conflict."
[3-29-04]
WORKSHOP EXPLORES HOMOSEXUALITY IN CHRISTIAN FAITH
A wide range of Christian congregations and denominations
now face conflicts that involve conflicting views of theology, scripture and
Christian ethics, particularly with regard to human sexuality. On March
16th, PCP debuted a new workshop intended to help Christian clergy and lay
leaders facilitate deeply reflective and constructive conversations about
issues related to human sexuality, especially sexual orientation, and the
Christian faith.
Grounded in PCP's experiences facilitating dialogues on
this topic with bishops and primates in the Episcopal church, this new
training drew participants from a variety of Christian denominations and
several ecumenical and interfaith organizations. The group reflected on the
values and beliefs that led them to their interest in this topic, engaged in
a facilitated dialogue modeled on PCP's "Guide to Community Dialogue" and
focused on ways participants can adapt PCP's material to the specific
settings in which they hope to work.
Participants raised questions ranging from "how do you
'make room' for constructive conversation to take place in face of strong
emotion, such as anger or sorrow?" to "what might be some
drawbacks/changes/differences in using this method with youth and adults;
how do you invite all generations into the conversation?"
In addition to preparing participants to minister to their
communities' needs, at least one person saw deep personal relevance in
exploring this topic from a dialogic perspective. He told us that he finally
was able to envision having a genuine and respectful dialogue with people
who hold differing views, something that was far less possible before this
experience.
To explore the possibilities for bringing this training to
your organization or faith community, call Kathy Regan at 617-923-1216 ext.
15 or email
kregan@publicconversations.org. PCP's Guide to Community Dialogue is
available at no cost by visiting
http://conversations.forms.soceco.org/48/
