• I often have  people telling me how much they appreciate the work I do which is always encouraging but right now I also need some practical help. If you can contribute to this project that would be wonderful.
• Another Christian demonination says 'Sorry for the way we treated you' 
• The Australian Christian Lobby cherry picks using the Hon. Michael Kirby's response to a question at the senate inquiry on marriage equality. They use his response to a question out of context for a media campaign intended to create hysteria and prove their slippery slope theory 'Same-sex marriage now - tomorrow many partners'.
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Anthony Venn-Brown

Founder and Director

Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International

Amplify 2012 Conference

Hong Kong 24-26 June   

Asian Christianity has it's unique challenges for LGBT people. Many Asian LGBT people have not only cultural and family pressures to deal with but religion can further compound the issues.

I am thrilled that I have been invited to speak at the Amplify 2012 Conference and will be the only representative from Australia.Amplify 2012 is a strategic gathering of LGBT affirming churches in Asia. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to share some concepts that have been successfully used  here in Australia about creating dialogues with churches and church leaders as well as networking opportunities to explore ways Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International may be able to help in the future. 

Being at a conference with such a gay icon as Bishop Gene Robinson (first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church) is an additional bonus. It's a rare opportunity to not only be sitting under his teaching but also spent time discussing things with him and also Bishop Yvette Flunder from the US. This will be helpful to me in the work I do here in Australia. It's always important, as a leader, to gain new and different perspectives from others who have been in the game longer than I have. Networking with church leaders from China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong. Philippines and Taiwan will also be useful to get a greater understanding of cultural differences and challenges being faced in Asia.

My program will include:

• One on one time with Bishop Robinson, Bishop Flunder and other Asian church leaders before the conference
• Participating in a Leadership Roundtable on Radical Inclusivity
• Present a workshop on "Creating a Space for Change - being an ambassador and bridge builder"
• Panel member on the topic of gay Christians and sexual relationships
• After the conference I intend to meet up and network with LGBT rights groups in Hong Kong to get a feel for the challenges they face and see if there might be some way that ABBI can assist.

As you see it will be a busy and productive time.  

The budget for the conference has been used to cover the expenses of the speakers from the US.  

So I need to raise my own support. I believe it is important and strategic for me to go. Do you Greetings!?.

If so then your financial support in this project will be greatly appreciated..  

All donations whether small ($20,$30,$50) or large ($100) are gratefully received. 

You can click on this link to make your donation securely via PayPal or Credit Card.  

If you would prefer to make your donation via internet transfer directly into the ABBI account use these details below. Make sure you write Amplify 2012 when making the donation.

Bank: Westpac

Account name: Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International

BSB: 032 023

Account No.: 292997

Need more info or having trouble making the payment....then email info@gayambassador.com

Thank you as always for your encouragement and support.

Anthony Venn-Brown

Founder and Director

Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International

It is not unusual for conservative Christian political groups to take statements out of context that backs up their own negative view of gay and lesbian people.

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has just launched a media campaign demonstrating once again their 'let's ignore everything else that has been said, there is only one thing I heard' policy. The video campaign is meant to prove WE TOLD YOU SO!

It's fear-mongering at its worst.

The ACL media release commences ' The Australian Christian Lobby today released a video outlining one of the almost inevitable implications of redefining marriage'.

By that, they mean there is some underhanded, insidious agenda behind the marriage equality movement. It is not that gay and lesbian couples want the same opportunity that straight couples have - to make a commitment to each other for life and have that recognised legally. ACL believes that this is only the beginning, after they get same sex marriage, the gays will want to marry multiple people - polygamous relationships. I think this is the first time they haven't mentioned marrying pets as well. (but I digress)

Michael Kirby was asked this question by Senator MichaeliaCash: "But only where two people are concerned in a homosexual relationship. What I am putting to you is: are you limiting the definition of equity and equality in relationships to purely a man and a woman, whether they be heterosexual or homosexual; or are you saying there should be equity and equality in relationships regardless of, for example, the number of people participating in that relationship?"

In the ACL video they use Michael Kirby's response to Senator MichaeliaCash's question. Michael Kirby's answer has been taken out of context by using three sentences and ignoring the other 3,600 words he spoke about the need for Australia to grant marriage equality to same sex couples as a human right.

Michael Kirby's response was to that question only. But not according to the ACL.

ACL neglected to quote this bit from Michael Kirby.

'It is entirely reasonable to ask where the logic takes us. As a lawyer and as a judge that is something one has to do all the time. But, if we look at the countries that have accepted recognition of equality for homosexual couples and bisexual couples, there has not actually been a stampede of demand for trios, quadruples and other relationships. It has not led, in my respectful view, to any damage to heterosexual relationships. I have never had a satisfactory explanation made to me of how my loving relationship of 43 years with my partner has in any way damaged the institution of marriage or would, if marriage were available to us, damage that relationship, diminish it or degrade it in any fashion whatsoever. On the contrary, I would respectfully suggest that securing access to marriage entitlements would encourage stable relationships, and the committee"

You can see how the ACL taken Michael Kirby's words and used them by clicking here

If you are really interested you can read the entire question and answer session of the committee hearing by clicking here.

Why ABBI?

Enormous unnecessary suffering is caused by people's lack of understanding about sexual orientation. Ignorance in this area impacts not only gay and lesbian people themselves but families, educational institutions and workplaces. This is especially true for those from religious backgrounds and certain cultures.

• High suicide rates among LGBT youth and people from religious backgrounds
• Existence of "ex-gay" programs that attract the emotionally vulnerable and tormented with false promises of change
• Eventual breakdown of marriages when one partner believed heterosexual marriage would solve their 'problem'
• Depression and other mental health issues caused by the perceived conflict of faith and sexuality
• Self-destructive and obsessive behaviours as a result of internalized homophobia
• Religious organizations reinforcing myths & maintaining stereotypes about LGBT people & their relationships
• Fragmented relationships when families and friends reject the gay or lesbian person who 'comes out'

Would you like to see this unnecessary suffering end?   

You can make a difference by supporting ABBI financially?   

This includes organisations, businesses and individuals.  If you would like more information of how to become a supporter, partner of champion by giving regularly then send an inquiry email using this link info@gayambassador.com

Or you can make a one off donation using the button below

 If you would prefer to set up a regular monthly donation via internet transfer you can do so using the bank details below.

Bank: Westpac

Account name: Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International

BSB: 032 023

Account No.: 292997  

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• Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) is an organisation formed to provide opportunities for gay men and lesbians to develop their business interests and networks both within corporate environments and as individual business persons

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• AJB Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd offers a large range of Personal and Commercial insurance products. We provide free professional advice and obligation free quotations. We continue to provide our clients with the best products at competitive premiums. If you would like to make an enquiry please contact Anthony at AJB Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd 

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