Beyond Inclusion:  Making the Justice Connections
St. Bartholomew's Church
April 15-18, 1999

Synopses of Presentations

The Use of the Bible in Debates about Same-Sex Unions
Dr. Deirdre Good, Professor of New Testament at General Theological Seminary, New York City

Deirdre Good looked at some of the ways critical study of biblical material informs debates about same-sex unions. She discussed the important link of understanding questions of gender identity in the ancient world. Dr. Good paid particular attention to recent scholarship on homosexuality and the Bible and to the issue of biblical authority.

Homophobia, Racism, Sexism: A Complex Design
The Rev. Dr. Renee Hill, Senior Associate for Peace and Justice Ministries, All Saints Church, Pasadena

Oppressive power does not have a single target or a simple form. It operates within complex systems that serve to oppress and marginalize those who are in any way outside of what has been constructed as the "norm" by dominant culture. The success or failure of emancipatory practices both inside and outside of the church hinges on our ability to challenge and transform oppressive power in all of its diversity and complexity. This presentation explored the interrelation of the many manifestations of oppression that we must confront and change as we seek to move "beyond inclusion" in the church and in society.

From Convention to Conviction
The Rt. Rev. Bennett Sims, Bishop of Atlanta, retired

Bishop Sims discussed his odyssey, turned by personal encounters with gracious gay and lesbians, from the convenience of conservative sexual ideology to the riskier freedom of seeing Christian sexuality in terms of courageous fidelity to bestowed identity, not as a matter of majority orientation and unexamined biblical sanctions.

Freedom to Love = Freedom to Live: Creating Coalitions with Human Rights Organizations
The Rev. Patti Ackerman, Scott Long, Mandy Carter, Michael Heflin, Urvashi Vaid

Panelists: Mandy Carter, Consultant, National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum; Michael Heflin, Amnesty International; Scott Long, Advocacy Coordinator, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission; Urvashi Vaid, activist/writer, former Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Moderator, The Rev. Patricia Ackerman, Director of Communications, Integrity

This panel provided an opportunity for gay and lesbian human rights activists to address this conference and give clergy and laity strategies for mobilizing our pulpits and parishes. Four major organizations made presentations based on their missions and experiences outlining their criteria for support from progressive and liberating church communities. Come be active coalition builders to reclaim the discourse from the "religious wrong."

Preaching Gay and Lesbian Issues
The Rev. J. Edwin Bacon, Jr., Rector of All Saints Church, Pasadena, California

As Rector of a church where same-sex blessings have been publicly celebrated since 1992, Ed Bacon has had many opportunities to preach about gay and lesbian concerns. In this workshop, Ed articulated the theology of inclusion derived from the proclamation of the 8th century prophets and Jesus of Nazareth. 

Latino/a Culture, Gays and Lesbians
The Rev. Dr. Luis Barrios, Associate Priest at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Assistant Professor At John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)] 

This workshop explored cultural roadblocks which often distance lesbians and gays from their loved ones and their churches. It
also focused on the embracing elements of the culture which can be inviting to all. 

The Black Church and Sexuality
The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown-Douglas, professor of theology at Howard University School of Divinity

Racism has often inhibited discussion of black sexuality, especially with regards to sexual orientation. This workshop will not investigated the church's reluctance to discuss issues of sexuality, but also explored how the Black Church's legacy of standing up against injustice provides a call to action for everyone. 

Organizing General Convention 2000: Prophecy, Expediency, or Showdown?
Mr. Kim Byham, former President of Integrity & The Hon. Byron Rushing, Massachusetts legislator and Deputy to General Convention] 

This workshop was designed for both experienced and novice Convention deputies and "lobbyists." It explored strategies to accomplish at Convention the goals reflected at this Conference. 

Seeking Solidarity: The Post-Lambeth Global Church
The Rev. Dr. Ian Douglas, Associate Professor of World Mission and Global Christianity at the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA 

Lambeth 1998 was a wake-up call to many that the Anglican Communion is no longer a church primarily identified with the industrialized West. What are the challenges and possibilities for Christians in the United States as we week solidarity with sisters and brothers in the Southern hemisphere beyond historic hegemonic power structures? 

Being Single in a Couples World
Fred Ellis, former President of Integrity & Debra Farrington, author of One Like Jesus

Whether gay or lesbian, bi-sexual or heterosexual, it can be a challenge to be single in a culture and a church that, like Noah on the ark, prefers we show up two-by-two. But, sexuality is part of a person's being whether single or partnered, and engenders great joys as well as responsibilities. This workshop explored in a refreshing manner the complex challenges faced by the single person.

Gay Families, Children and the Church [Dr. Mary Foulke, Senior Associate for Children and Family Ministries, All Saints Church, Pasadena

All churches have gay families. In this workshop we defined "gay families" and explored the benefits and struggles for families and churches who choose to recognize each other. Specifically we identified strategies for supporting and incorporating gay families and their children into the whole life of a congregation. 

Surviving in a Conservative Diocese

The Rev. Albert N. Halverstadt, Rector of St. Barnabas Church, Denver & Ms. Susan Weeks, Diocesan Consultant

This workshop explored the ways and strategies in which one can act as an effective change agent committed to "Beyond Inclusion" while honoring the dignity of those with whom there is substantial disagreement. 

Between a Bishop and a Hard Place: Navigating Life in a Diocese as a Gay/Lesbian Child of God
The Rev. Canon Gene Robinson, Executive Assistant to Bishop Theuner, Diocese of New Hampshire

Issues for openly gay folk--lay and ordained--in dioceses of the Episcopal Church: getting heard, getting organized, getting ordained/hired, getting elected, and getting smart about being gay in the Episcopal Church. 

Gay and Lesbian Ministries on a Parish Level [Jim White and Jim O'Donnell, parishioners who have helped create and maintain the gay and lesbian ministry at All Saints Church, Pasadena

This workshop revealed how the affirmation of open gays and lesbians in parish life is a blessing churches, especially urban churches, would be foolhardy to ignore. Fun, active, and full of testimonies of people from around the country, this workshop provided the real nuts-and-bolts examples of the joy and growth a parish can experience when it refuses to consign second-class status to anyone. 

Dealing with the Media
The Rev. William Tully, Rector of St. Bartholomew's Church, New York City

To those who have worked through the issues of gay and lesbian inclusion in the churches and beyond, it always comes as a shock to see that even the progressive media generally reflect old understandings and prejudices. To deal with the media may feel like beginning all over again, but it can also be a chance to spread the word of God's justice and hope to a wider public. This workshop provided strategies to guide clergy and parishioners through the attention, both positive and negative, that inclusive churches and the blessing of same sex unions will likely generate. 

Conference Book List 

Over 40 books and articles discussing Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, and Sexuality issues. A few videos and CD's are
also listed.