“It is our hope that these learning opportunities will provide a forum for the community to engage issues of faith and inclusiveness in a safe and supportive environment. All are welcome to come, learn, network, and grow.”
I remember going to church when I was little. I remember it being a safe place, and I remember learning about the connection of earth and people, and how we were all the same, regardless of who we are or where we came from. As I grew older, I began to understand that in the eyes of some churches we were in fact not all the same. In fact, many times I have been told that I am not welcome in Heaven, and that I was a living sin. I have never felt personally attacked by these claims however, only sad for those that believed them. As a means of dealing with this ignorance and hatred I have learned to applaud those of faith that are working towards fighting it.
Throughout my years of attending Pride Parades I have taken the time to clap a little louder for those churches that join the festivities, and sit a little prouder in the audience knowing that my religious friends are cheering right along with me. I am surrounded by friends that go to church, and am glad to answer any questions they may have about our community. I have friends that have maintained their faith regardless of their sexual orientation, and I am so charmed by their continual truth to themselves. I am still aware of how the ideals of many churches infringe on human rights, but I choose to focus on those that are working to change that. It is with this in mind that I question my own faith.
Making things a little easier for us, and opening the door to communication, Affirming Churches of Calgary and Edmonton are facilitating the 4th Annual Learning Affirming Conference, entitled Reaching OUT: We’re ALL in the Closet Together!, held at Symons Valley United Church.
“Open and Affirming (ONA) is an official designation of congregations and other bodies within the United Church of Christ denomination, affirming the full inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered persons (LGBT) in life and ministry of that church body.” There are 6 United Church Affirming Ministries in Calgary - this process has taken about 20 years to complete. Pat Brownlee, member of the Affirm United Board has been a major force in this process. “It took Scarboro Church about 4 years before we completed the process of education and open forums for members to become educated on GLBT issues. We had our formal celebration in October 2008 and had a full church and expanded joint church choir with the Calgary Men’s Chorus in attendance. Each church moves with a different drummer, and Hillhurst Sunnyside quickly went through their process. The last step is a motion put forward at an Annual General meeting. There was a joyful celebration this spring when they formally put rainbow flags outside the church front entry. “
The two day Reaching OUT conference not only addresses some basic understandings of the GLBT community and the Church in short sessions, but it also brings together some familiar faces in the GLBT community. Heterophobia, a play recently shown at the IGNITE festival this year to sold out crowds, will be kicking off the conference on Friday, October 23rd at 7:30pm. This one-act play described as a “tall glass of gay with a twist of straight” questions our thought process of the gay/straight paradigm. Pam Rocker, Heterophobia playwright could not be more excited about this conference.
“When Pat Brownlee [Affirm United] approached me about doing Heterophobia for their annual conference, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised. To have a faith-based group seek out and want to showcase a story that deals with homosexuality and discrimination still surprises me, although I am happily becoming more aware of people of faith who think so much differently than what would be considered ‘traditional’. Sexuality and spirituality don’t have to be at odds, and I sincerely respect not only the words, but the actions of organizations like Affirm United. They are making a tangible stance against intolerance and will accept nothing less than full inclusion. To have the chance to share Heterophobia once again is an honour that I cherish because it’s about the freedom to be proud of and truthful about who we really are.”
Other short sessions include former Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine columnist, Dr. Kevin Alderson as a Keynote Speaker, discussions of transsexual issues, Youth Safe, Congregational Support of Queer Families, PFLAG, The U of C’s Queers on Campus, and Constable Lynn MacDonald of the CPS Diversity Unit. Rounding this out is a performance by the Calgary Men’s Chorus.
Regardless of your affiliation with any church, or your level of faith, Affirmation is important to the GLBT community. Progression and opening the lines of communication between previously divided groups is a welcome sign to acceptance.
