PRESENTATION: Creating a Space for Change - this Sunday 20 October 7:00pm Glebe

Historically, engagement between the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) community and the Christian church has been volatile. Little progress has been made when either side have maintained entrenched attitudes and beliefs. One side being called faggots, perverts and abominations whilst the other side labelled haters, bigots and homophobes. Tired clichés of "Love the sinner, hate the sin" and "God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" used regularly by some Christian leaders, reminds LGBT people they are not welcome in churches.

Is there a way to move beyond adversarial, opposing positions?

How do we create understanding and progress the conversation for acceptance and equality forward?

Creating a Space for Change addresses these issues

• Who is and isn't ready for the conversation? 
• How to create a safe space for respectful dialogue? 
• What's the difference between welcoming, accepting and affirming churches? 
• Understanding the seven stage continuum from hatred to acceptance 
• Comparing societies and the churches progress on LGBT equality 
• Four reasons why the church MUST make the 'gay issue' a priority

When: Sunday 20 October 2013 Time: 7:00pm

Where: The Sacred Lounge, 37-47 St Johns Road, 2037 Glebe

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ALL WELCOME! 

Presenter

Anthony Venn-Brown was a leader in the Assemblies of God, a popular preacher in Australia's mega-churches and founder of Youth Alive (NSW). His personal journey of reconciling his same-sex orientation with his Christian faith spans 28 years. In 1991 he resigned from the ministry believing these two things were irreconcilable and struggled to come to terms with the loss of his friends, faith and purpose.

His award winning autobiography ‘A Life of Unlearning’ was released in 2004. Anthony has become an ambassador for the LGBT community by encouraging respectful dialogues and educating people about sexuality. Over the last 15 years has assisted 1,000’s of gay and straight individuals to find resolution in these areas. Anthony is the co-founder of Freedom2b, Australia's largest organisation for LGBT people from Christian backgrounds. Anthony has also become a respected community leader and his work acknowledged by being a finalist for the  2011 ACON Community Hero Award as well as twice voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians (2007 & 2009).

Anthony is now the founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International.