Diverse Biblical Interpretations To Be Explored @ Summit on Church & Gays in February, 2007

Diverse Biblical Interpretations To Be Explored @ Summit on Church & Gays in February, 2007

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A first-of-its-kind summit titled "Out of the Shadows Into the Light" is being held to allow clergy and church laypeople to have an open dialogue about gay and lesbian topics within the context of the church. Featuring known and respected academics from throughout the U.S., the summit will include a unique combination of presentations and small group interactions that explore diverse Biblical interpretations.

According to event moderator Dr. Miguel De La Torre, associate professor of Social Ethics & director of the Justice and Peace Institute at Denver's Iliff School of Theology, "The Bible has been interpreted in many different ways, and it has been used to justify cultural homophobia. There is clearly a need for an open, non-threatening conversation about what the Bible says, and what people's response should be toward gay men and lesbians. This summit provides a safe forum for clergy and laypeople of the church to explore these topics in an honest and thought provoking manner." He added, "Our goal is to provide people with the tools they need to have open conversations once they return to their churches or places of worship."

Out of the Shadows Into the Light will be held at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, February 14-16, 2007. The cost is $250 per participant. The number of participants will be capped at 100, with a goal of attracting a diverse and broad representation of people. Registration may be completed online at http://www.shadows2light.com/ or by calling 719-527-4294 before January 31.

"Civil rights for gay men and lesbians is the civil rights issue of our time. The ministry is on the front lines addressing this issue with families and individuals on a daily basis, but may be lacking the tools to comfortably have the discussion. By participating in this open dialogue, we hope people will find that they are better able to engage in conversations around some really tough issues related to relationships and the church," said Mary Lou Makepeace, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, a sponsor of the event.

More:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2007/01/diverse-biblical-interpretations-to-be.html

Sigh....

They can figure it all out and have cake and coffee afterwards.