Church of the Epiphany, San Carlos Becomes
Newest Oasis Congregation

Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations

 The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry

California Faith for Equality

Chicago Consultation

TransEpiscopal

The Consultation

Claiming the 
Blessing

Integrity, USA

In the summer of 2008, Oasis California project brings pilgrims from across the country and around the world to Canterbury during the Lambeth Conference. This photo shows those who were present for the end of the session. Oasis California President Tom Jackson is in top right corner. The Revs. Tom Poynor and Vicki Gray are not shown but were pilgrims during Lambeth.

Why hold a LGBT Faith & Aging Conference?

Consider the case of a trans woman who had a stroke, didn't have healthcare, but had previously been in the military. So she went to the Veterans Administration for medical care. But the VA refused to treat her unless she presented in her birth sex. Instead, she committed suicide.

Or consider the problem of LGBT people who dare to be out in some "faith-based" facilities provide long term care to senior citizens - some of these facilities are so abusive that out LGBT seniors face abuse similar to the bullying of youth.

Or search for a connection to or kinship with our community's elders -  too often LGBT seniors are left out, left alone, isolated by their age and orientation.

It doesn't have to be this way. Faith could play a critical and unique role, different from service provision, education, housing, etc. We could make our churches and affiliated senior housing facilities  a safe haven. Proposed by the Coalition of Welcoming Congregations (a program of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry) and the Lavender Seniors of the East Bay. The audience for this event includes all who seek to more information on the physical, social and spiritual needs of LGBT seniors. Sign up here for more information.

Fr. Michael Lapsley will present these workshops. He is shown here  with Archbishop Desmond Tutu .

Please remember to attend one of the "Healing in the Diocesan Family" workshops set for: 

• Thursday, November 18, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Church of the Epiphany, 1839 Arroyo Avenue, San Carlos
• Friday, November 19, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Church of Our Saviour, 1011 Harrison Street, Oakland
• Saturday, November 20, 9 to 11 a.m. the Church of Our Saviour, 10 Old Mill Street, Mill Valley

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Sign up to stop bullying

Oasis California calls on Clergy and lay leaders across the Diocese of California to join in a a groundbreaking alliance of faith group leaders and call on "the Church Universal to join us in working to end the violence and hatred against our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters." 

"We are asking all faith colleagues, LGBT and straight alike, to go online and sign the Clergy Against Bullying statement and to work toward safe space for all God's children in our churches,"said the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.  "Too often, young people who are gay, transgender or questioning fear judgmental church people.  This statement by Clergy Against Bullying will help us all tell the story of the One who came not to judge or condemn but to love us.  Today we are saying to every child who is different in any way: 'You are safe in the arms of God; you are safe with our congregations." More info here.