There is a growing climate of questioning in many Pentecostal and Evangelical circles in Australia. The first question people are asking is 'has the churches attitude towards the LGBT community been Christlike' and the second is 'Do we need to look again at our beliefs about homosexuality'.

This questioning journey is reflected in situations like the 100 Revs (a 100 ministers who signed an apology to the LGBT community and marched twice in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras parade) where five Pentecostal ministers signed the apology. Ps Rob Buckingham, of Bayside Church in Melbourne preached a message in his church last year 'Real Christianity is Accepting' saying the LGBT people were welcome in his Church. To have a Pentecostal minister not only preach a message like this but receive a standing ovation from his congregation would have to be a global first.  I have a strong sense that Australia is going to lead global change in some of these areas.

In Melbourne there are at least a dozen Baptist churches which have become affirming.

Whilst some feel threatened when traditional beliefs are questioned or challenged others feel that to question is not doubting  but being open to the possibility of greater understanding. Tabor College Victoria is looking at the spectrum of sexuality with a week's intensive Spirituality and Sexuality. 

Speakers include: Dr. Cheryl Catford, Dr Allan Meyer, Ms Cath McKinney, Anthony Venn-

Brown, Rowan Lewis, Dr Art Wouters , Dr Tom Edwards and Dr John Capper.

I will be lecturing on the topic

An alternative approach to sexual orientation, gender diversity and Christian faith

We applaud those who are willing to exist in the space of questioning because it is there that we make discoveries, learn and grow. It is not without cost though. As I said recently in an email to a minister who was personally attacked because they dared to share their beliefs.

Thanks so much for standing with us. It means a lot.

I'm sorry to hear that you been attacked for stating what you currently believe and for your actions.

When we look at the life of Jesus in the gospels we see a man who was also attacked. He was the great rule breaker and was constantly attacked by the conservatives and religious leaders of the day for mixing with wrong people and going to the wrong places. Does that sound familiar?

Jesus saw human beings not labels. His life and parables constantly remind us who are neighbours and how we can practically live out the command 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself'.

Phariseeism is alive and well in the church of the 21^st century and some continue to judge, condemn and separate themselves from people. I still find it surprising that Christians who claim to be people of the Word can't see the similarities happening today.

I'm not sure this will be of enormous comfort but worth mentioning anyway.

When anyone from the Christian church actually stands on the side of the LGBT community they experience hostility, vilification, judgment and personal attack. By standing with us though you get to experience something that is an everyday experience for many gay and lesbian people. 85% of gay men and lesbians experienced harassment or violence during their lifetime, with one in four gay men and lesbians being physically attacked.  Not for anything they have done but simply for being who they are. In the eyes of the attacker they are abnormal outsiders who do not deserve to be treated like everyone else, that is, with dignity and respect. This is not a special right the LGBT community are asking for, it is a basic human right. Thank you for being like Jesus and being willing to show unconditional love.

And once we have a new consciousness or understanding we are empowered. It's impossible to retreat to a place of ignorance. Too much is at stake. TRUTH. And it was Jesus who said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.

Homosexuality, Christianity and the Church - resolving the conflicts' is a seminar that helps people find answers to one of the most controversial issues the church has faced in recent times. Not too long ago the concept of being a gay and Christian was impossible to comprehend; the term 'gay Christian' an oxymoron. In 1968, one man dared to believe that his sexual orientation didn't mean he was automatically destined for hell and that God loved him unconditionally. Since that time the number of voices has increased to many 10,000's along with a growing number of LGBT Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical churches. Every year the number of mainstream churches and denominations welcoming LGBT people increases. Once non-existent, the gay Christian movement is now strong, growing and vibrant.

'Homosexuality, Christianity and the Church - resolving the conflicts' provides relevant information, insights and clarity. The seminar assists individuals and churches to be more informed about faith/sexuality issues by looking at underlying cultural influences, real and perceived barriers and practical models for change. Each topic is covered in one hour in a respectful environment with an opportunity for questions.

This seminar is relevant for:

1. LGBT people from Christian backgrounds

2. Heterosexual friends and family

3. Churches who want to be more informed and create a space of acceptance for LGBT people

4. Church leadership teams who want a safe space to explore LGBT issues

PROGRAM:

• Homosexuality and the Church - Why we got it SO wrong.Ten reasons why Christ-loving Christians have been in error about sexual orientation. The enemy has been ignorance.
• Specific issues faced by LGBT people from faith backgrounds and how to resolve them. LGBT people from faith backgrounds experience the usual issues of resolution, coming out, finding their place in the community and learning what it means to be gay or lesbian in a straight world. However they often experience these things with greater intensity and have additional issues to deal with.
• Sodom, Leviticus, Romans 1 and I Corinthians 6:9. What are they really saying? Often referred to as the 'clobber passages', there are only six passages in the Bible that refer to same-sex activity and assumed to speak about a homosexual orientation. Looking at these few verses in the light of the historical and cultural contexts and the original languages, we get a very different picture.
• The times they are a changin' There is a new climate of questioning in many Pentecostal and Evangelical circles. Creating a Space for Change is a model that is facilitating this process.
• Question time

• Walking Between Worlds - working effectively with LGBT people from faith backgrounds. This half day training is suitable for LGBT community workers, social workers, mental health professionals, school counsellors, chaplains and LGBT liaison officers.
• Homosexuality, Christianity and the Church - resolving the conflicts. This one day seminar is suitable for Churches and LGBT people from Christian backgrounds.
• Church consultancy. Pastoral teams, leadership teams, whole church training, denominational
• Conferences
• Lectures
• Small group work
• One on one coaching available for LGBT people and those questioning their sexual identity
• Custom designed programs
  

• Married, Gay or Bi - What to do?
• Coming Out Strategic Plan - Why? When? Who? How? What?
• Resolving faith/sexuality issues

Email me directly for more information anthony@anthonyvennbrown.com