at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church
In 1987 the Unitarian Universalist Association established the Common Vision Planning Committee which found many negative attitudes, deep prejudices, and profound ignorance about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender people (LGBT), many of whom were excluded from their churches.
In response, the Welcoming Congregation Program was established to become more inclusive towards LGBT people in our congregations and communities.
The goal of the workshop series is to reduce prejudice by increasing understanding and acceptance among people of different sexual orientations. At its conclusion, our congregation will be officially designated as a Welcoming Congregation on the websites of the UUA, our Pacific Northwest District, and our own Shoreline Church website.
The Welcoming Congregation Program presents a broad and flexible framework for tackling the problem of affirming sexual minorities in our church communities. Through its superb array of workshops, readings, and worship materials, The Welcoming Congregation offers us the chance to become more inclusive, more integrated...more welcoming.
"The Welcoming Congregation Program provides an excellent checklist for recognizing structural and individual homophobia—perhaps the most deeply rooted prejudice in our society. It addresses the mystery of sexuality and demands honesty about ourselves that we may not be willing or able to maintain.”
There are six workshops in the program here at Shoreline Church, all but the final one occurring after our regular Sunday services in the sanctuary on the following dates:
1. February 15, 2009, 12:00-2:30 pm — “Introductions and Expectations”
2. March 1, 12:00-2:30 pm — “What We Know and How We Learned It”
3. March 15, 12:00-2:30 pm — “The Common Elements of Oppression”
4. March 29, 12:00-2:30 pm — “Gender Socialization and Homophobia”
5. April 5, 12:00-2:30 pm — “Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender People”
6. (Final) Monday, April 20, 7-9 pm — “What Now?”
An optional lunch will be offered at each gathering. There is a $3 supplies fee and scholarships are widely available.
When we proposed this program on February 1, over 40 people signed on, but everyone is welcome to attend. You need not register—just show up!
Whoever you are and
Wherever you are on your life journey,
You are welcome!
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For more information, click on this UUA website link:
http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/welcomingcongregation/index.shtml
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